Jasmine Parham
MC Contributor/Staff
The Jackson State University Lady Tiger volleyball team competed in their first conference game of the season against the Lady Devils of Mississippi Valley State University on Sept. 16
The girls record was 0-11 leading into the game against rivals the Devils who were 1-7.
The Lady Tigers prevailed in their match as they defeated Valley 3-1(25-22,25-21,22-25,25-14).
The Tigers were able to get a good lead in the first two sets but fell slightly short in the third. After fixing a few minor errors and reducing team mistakes, they were able to take the fourth set and secure the win over the game.
Outside hitter Desiree Mack and Tamisha Barry along with right side hitter Madison Wolf, led the team in offense. Mack recorded 18 kills and 2 blocks to update her hitting percentage to .222
Barry, a senior biology/pre-med major from St. Croix Virgin Islands, contributed 8 kills and trails slightly in her attack percentage at .182
Wolf, a freshman biology major from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., recorded 8 kills and 2 blocks making her attack percentage .222 also
Tyler Moorer, a sophomore, led the team defensively with 24 digs. Arianna Salas led the team with 41 assists.
Head Coach Rose Washington feels very optimistic about the season.
“I’m excited to get started with conference play. When it’s all said and done this is where it starts,” said Coach Washington.
Setter Arianna Salas, a junior from Evanston, Ill., also agrees that the season will be very successful.
“This win meant so much because it felt as if preseason as a whole was just a learning experience. The whole team’s morale and hope changed as soon as it was time to play. We came into conference play with a fresh slate, but now it’s time to buckle down and play like real champions,” said Salas.
JSU also had a good support system at the game.
Kalee Maricle, a sophomore biology/pre-med major from Aurora, Colo., enjoys watching the volleyball team compete.
“I feel like the girls really came together as a team and worked cohesively to secure the win,” said Maricle.
The Tigers currently hold the title as 2015 Volleyball SWAC champions. Even with this title, the team does not feel pressured.
“I’m never under pressure to defend a title because I always have high expectations for my teams. Every year my expectation is to win the championship,” said Coach Washington.
After landing their first conference win of the season, the Tigers are off to a good start.
Come out and pack the stands and cheer on your Lady Tigers in their first home series of the season as they take on the Lady Panthers of Prairie View A&M and the Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University Sept. 23 and Sept. 24.
The games will take place in the T.B.Ellis Gym at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Photos provided by Jasmine Parham
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