Wakil Atig
Sports Editor
The Lady Tigers of Jackson State University has been on quite a run over this past month. The women’s volleyball team has improved their overall record to 16-16 and 12-3 in conference play. Since their early season woes, the ladies have completely turned their season around by dominating the conference.
As they took on longtime in-state rivals, Alcorn State University, the Lady Tigers looked to continue their dominance.
Set one completely belonged to JSU. The Lady Tigers were more aggressive and tenacious throughout the set. Alcorn attempted to make a run to dethrone the Lady Tigers but failed as they had no answers offensively. The Lady Braves were no match as they suffered from miscommunication on the court and fatigue resulting from a limited rotation. JSU cruised through set one winning 25-18.
Set two was different for the Lady Tigers as Alcorn appeared to find a new life midway through the set. The Lady Braves turned their energy level up as well as their aggression. They made it difficult for JSU to take full control of the set as they just wouldn’t allow a major lead to manifest. JSU for the most part struggled to adapt to what seemed to be a new Lady Braves team as they made simple mistakes down the stretch. Although they made a strong push, their talent just didn’t add up to JSU as the Lady Tigers took set two, 25-20.
In set three, JSU had a challenging start to what was on the verge of being disastrous. Alcorn got off to a sensational 8-0 start and appeared to be in full control. JSU played lazy and seemed to be relaxed in every way. It wasn’t until the set was tied at 16 that JSU came alive and performed like the great team that they are. The Lady Tigers have been battled tested throughout the season and prepared for moments of adversity throughout their trials.
After being down for most of the set, JSU managed to persevere and defeat Alcorn State University, 25-19 to conclude a three-game sweep of the Lady braves.
Kanile’a Nomura led the Lady Tigers with a total of 10 kills on 13 attacks. DeKyra Dennis finished the series with a team-high 16 assists along with six digs.
Alana Washington added 10 digs of her own with six assists. Damassy Thompson notched 14 assists and seven digs.
Kaiya Wall finished with a total of eight kills on 22 attacks and Camry Dabney finished with seven kills and five digs. Carin Bridges also notched nine digs.
Madison Wolf and Talia Gaines each added five kills to seal the victory.
Taronta Gines, a junior accounting major from Moss Point, Miss., is proud of the volleyball team and how far they have come this season.
“I see a bright future in the program if they can keep this momentum going. The ladies have dominated the conference thus far and has improved tremendously since their first home game,” said Gines.
NaKaela Cobb, a sophomore social work major from Chicago said, “Tonight’s game was a breeze for the Lady Tigers. They struggled a little in the third set, but overall they crushed Alcorn and I loved every moment of it.”
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