Over 600 fans supported the Georgia Southern University Eagles volleyball team Saturday afternoon as they faced rival Georgia State University Panthers in the Hanner Fieldhouse on Senior Day.

Emotions were high before the game even started when a ceremony was held honoring seniors Katie Bange, Alex Beecher and Leah Joseph for their illustrious careers both on the court and in the classroom. However, the pregame nostalgia quickly turned to fierce competitiveness after the Eagles hit the court.

The Eagles played the first set with relentless purpose, leading by as many as 8, before a serving error by the Panthers gave GS the set 25-17. In the second set started out more evenly matched, but a kill by sophomore Lauren Reichard capped off the GS win 25-20.

After halftime, the Panthers fought back, staving off the Eagles in a close third set that saw the Panthers win 25-21 after an Eagles serving error. Within the first few points of the fourth set, it was evident that GS was done letting Georgia State hang around. GS lead by as many as 11 before a kill by freshmen Reilly Bosworth ended the set 25-15 and the match 3-1.

Senior Alex Beecher, who led all scorers with 25 digs, was both elated and emotional after winning her last home game.

“It was just really awesome to get this win, on Senior Night, against [Georgia State], especially because they are our big rival. This is one day I will remember forever,” Beecher said.

With the win, GS finishes their regular season 15-17, 7-9 in the Sun Belt. By beating Georgia State, they moved up to third in the East Division, improving their seeding for the Sun Belt tournament from Nov. 18 to 20.