Morgan Beard
Staff Writer
The Lady Tigers volleyball team won a hard fought game against the Braves of Alcorn State University on Nov. 5 in the T.B. Ellis Gym. JSU is now 10-20 overall and 6-1 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) ending their 2015 home play on a four game winning streak.
This was an easy win for the Lady Tigers as they won the sets 3-0 (25-8, 25-12, 25-19) and this was the second time that these two teams have met each other this season. JSU won the first contest against the Lady Braves in Lorman, Miss, 3-0 on Oct 26.
In set one, the Lady Tigers were able to get off on a fast start. In set two, the Lady Ligers continued to dominate the game with scores from everywhere. In set three, it was anyone’s game, but JSU was able to capitalize on a couple of ASU errors to win the overall game.
During halftime, the Lady Tigers honored the volleyball seniors in their annual Senior Night. Five Lady Tigers played their last home game in front of a packed crowed. They were: Keirsten Howard from Austin, Texas, Jenna Siddiqui from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Jasmine Knight from Belle Rose, La., Alexsis Ford from Desoto, Texas, and Mikayla Rolle from Burlington, Ky.
Taija Thomas and Ford led the Lady Tigers offensively. Thomas, a sophomore accounting major from Scarborough, Ontario Canada, recorded 17 attacks with 46 total for a .152 attack percentage and she also recorded four digs. Ford recorded 11 attacks with 14 total for .714 attack percentage.
Tyler Moorer led the team defensively. Moorer, a freshman marketing major from Birmingham., Ala., had 16 digs. Four-time SWAC setter of the week Siddiqui led the team in assists with 25 and also 8 digs. Senior Howard had 17 assists and 3 digs.
Head coach Rose Washington was proud of her players for sticking together and working as a team when the season got tough.
“It’s awesome that we defeated our in-state conference rival twice and we fought back to finish the game,” said Washington. “These girls are tough because of the preseason and the strength of our schedule is ready to win more games. Even though we lose sometimes, it prepares us mentally for these types of games in the conference. I’m also proud of my seniors for being great leaders to the younger players and sticking everyone together to stay focused.
She added: “We appreciate the fans for coming out and supporting the team every home game and we couldn’t do it without them.”
Many in attendance were impressed by the performance of the team and the support of the fans.
“There’s a lot of school spirit here,” said Ariel Young, a sophomore biology major from New Orleans, La.
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