KSU’s #9 Caroline Chastang and KSU’s #6 Kourtney Brown on the court. October 18th, 2025. Photo Credit: Milo Wilson
Kennesaw State volleyball performed well Saturday afternoon, sweeping Jacksonville State 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) at VyStar Arena.
With the win, the Owls improved to 12-6 overall and 6-2 in Conference USA play, while the Gamecocks fell to 9-11 and 3-5 in the conference.
KSU dominated the match from the serving action to impressive blocks. The Owls posted a season-high hitting percentage of .389 (40 kills, 12 errors on 72 total attacks).
Sophomore outside hitter Kiernan Stamey led the way with 10 kills and a notable .500 hitting percentage, while adding an ace, a block and two digs. Meanwhile, senior Manu Johnsen contributed in a team-high 11 kills and chipped in five digs.
In the setter role, Kourtney Brown and Kaeley Walz ran the offense effectively, combining for 33 assists.
After trailing 1-3, the Owls answered with an 8-2 run to take a 9-5 lead and took control of the rest of the set, closing it out 25-21.
The second set showcased KSU’s ability to build early separation. They soared ahead and led the Gamecocks throughout the set, wrapping it up at 25-18. The Owls’ serving pressure and defensive discipline were highlighted by the performance of junior Olivia Burrage.
Owls coach Keith Schunzel highlighted Burrage for her defensive performance.
“She’s now learning she can impact the game through her block,” Schunzel said. “This is the second straight weekend where she’s been really good on the block and got Defensive Player of the Week last week.” .
In the third set, KSU jumped out to a 17-11 lead and never allowed JSU to get closer than four. They ended the match with a 25-20 set win.
JSU showed fight early, especially in the first set where they pushed KSU, and even trimmed the deficit late to 21-20 before the Owls closed out with a 4-1 run.
The Gamecocks’ attack stalled as the match progressed. Their .173 hitting percentage underscored the Owls’ pressure. JSU also had fewer opportunities offensively, finishing with 31 kills on 81 attempts.
Schunzel praised his squad for matching the Gamecocks’ aggressive serving.
“Jax State serves the ball very aggressively which really challenges your pass for the setters and our offense, and with a team that serves it that well is hard to do,” Schunzel said.
The victory marked another strong showing in KSU’s home stretch, extending its momentum in CUSA play. The Owls are set to continue their home game stretch next weekend, hosting Delaware on Friday and Saturday at VyStar Arena.
