Augusta, GA

Volleyball sweeps doubleheader against Georgia College and Shaw – Augusta University

Published

2 years ago

October 13, 2024

Volleyball sweeps doubleheader against Georgia College and Shaw – Augusta University

Box Score

AUGUSTA, GA – The Augusta University volleyball team delivered two dominant performances on, sweeping Georgia College and Shaw University in straight sets. The Jags picked up their first PBC win of the season and improve to 12-2 overall.

Game 1: Augusta vs. Georgia College

In the first match of the day, Augusta (10-2, 1-0 PBC) handled Georgia College (7-9, 0-3 PBC) with a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-18, 25-14). The Jaguars took control early in the first set, building a quick 7-3 lead thanks to kills from Layne Witherspoon and Madelyn Eden. Georgia College fought back to within two points at 12-10, but Augusta responded with a 6-2 run, including an ace from Janvier Buggs, to stretch their lead and close out the set 25-18.

In the second set, both teams traded points early, with the score tied at 10-10. Augusta’s front line, led by Witherspoon’s blocking, stifled Georgia College’s attackers. A series of kills from Marin Freeland and Madelyn Eden extended Augusta’s lead to 20-15, and despite a brief rally by the Bobcats, the Jaguars secured another 25-18 set victory behind strong defense from Giulia Rodrigues and Rylie Harris.

The third set saw Augusta dominate from the start, jumping out to an 8-2 lead. Eden and Witherspoon continued their offensive showcase with several quick kills. Georgia College struggled to keep up, and Augusta closed out the match with a comfortable 25-14 win, finishing the sweep. The Jaguars hit .238 for the match, while holding Georgia College to a low .049 hitting percentage.

Game 2: Augusta vs. Shaw University

In the second match of the day, Augusta (11-2, 1-0 PBC) faced Shaw University (14-3, 8-0 CIAA), delivering another 3-0 sweep (25-15, 25-22, 25-10). The Jaguars started strong in the first set, jumping out to a 10-5 lead, thanks to two early aces by Layne Witherspoon and kills from Marin Freeland. Shaw attempted to close the gap, but Augusta maintained their momentum, using a 7-2 run to take the first set 25-15.

The second set was much tighter, with Shaw building an early 6-3 lead. However, Augusta rallied back with four straight points, including a block by Jacklyn Simms, to tie the set at 7-7. The teams traded points, and the set remained tied at 19-19 after an extended rally. Key kills from Freeland and a service ace from Buggs helped the Jaguars pull away and close out the set 25-22.

Augusta left no doubt in the third set, opening with a commanding 8-0 run, which included two aces from Witherspoon and timely kills from Simms and Freeland. Shaw never recovered, and Augusta dominated the set from start to finish, winning 25-10. The Jaguars hit .233 for the match while holding Shaw to just .038.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can GIVE by clicking here. Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University Athletics at www.AugustaJags.com and receive updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics, on Twitter at @AugustaJags, and Instagram at @augustajags.

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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

Published

15 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

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Augusta, GA

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.

However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.

Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.

“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”

Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.

As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.

The state remains in an extreme drought.

“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.

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