Katerri O’Neal
Staff Writer
The Jackson State University Tigers Volleyball Team is on a winning streak with a record 21 straight wins.
JSU volleyball Coach Rose Washington said, “I’m glad to say that we made history. This is the first time Jackson State went undefeated in the conference and we will be the number one team going into the tournament.”
On Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 in Westwego, La., the Tigers face fourth-ranked Texas Southern, and at 3 p.m. the winner will play the winner of the Alabama State versus Grambling State match.
Washington added, “We are also the sole winner of the East Subdivision; last year we had to share that honor with Alabama A&M but we are the sole winner.”
The two-day event will be held at John A. Alario Sr., Events Center in Westwego, La. The championship match will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m., and will be broadcast on ESPNU (tape delay).
Washington wants fan support for this historic volleyball team, whether in person, in spirit or viewing via broadcast on ESPNU.
“Hopefully we can get the word out where people can still come out and support us. We will be there fighting and having a good time. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. We made it to the finals last year and came up two points short. Hopefully this time there we definitely should bring home the title, which would be another first for Jackson State as far as the volley ball program is concerned.”
Latoya Clark, a senior social work major from Tallahassee, Fla. playing as a setter said, “We had a great season so far and it’s giving us a lot of confidence going into the SWAC Tournament and we are very humble and thankful for every win.”
Clark also stated that everybody on the team is giving up something until after the SWAC Championship because they really want to win.
“We are just basically making sure everybody is sticking together and is mentally focused,” added Clark who said the team needs to work on the little things that they lose points on in the game and minimize mistakes and unforced errors.
Clark also stated that last year the team lost by a few points and they need to stay mentally and physically tough and not have any breakdowns in order to prevent that from happening this weekend.
QUATERFINALS – SATURDAY, NOV. 19, 2011
Game 1 (9 a.m.) – Alabama State vs. Grambling
Game 2 (9 a.m.) – Alabama A&M vs. Southern
Game 3 (11 a.m.) – Jackson State vs. Texas Southern
Game 4 (11 a.m.) – MVSU vs. Prairie View
For a complete tournament schedule visit www.jsutigers.com
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