The Lady Braves only trailed one time in the first set to capture their first SWAC East victory of the season on the road against Mississippi Valley State 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-20).
In set one, the Lady Braves went ahead early 3-0. The Lady Braves maintained a close game until Mississippi Valley took a 16-15 lead. The Lady Braves didn't lose their composure and took set one from Mississippi Valley 25-20.
With the first set under their belts, the Lady Braves took a 2-0 lead behind a kill from
Lurlethia Jones. The Lady Braves extended their lead to as many six points (16-10). Mississippi Valley got within one point (23-22) but another kill by Jones and an attack error by Mississippi Valley gave the Lady Braves a 25-22 victory. The Lady Braves were ahead 2-0 heading into set three.
After a bad set by Mississippi Valley, sophomore
Sydney Mellom collected two service aces to push the Lady Braves lead to 3-0. The Lady Braves were streaking behind Mellom's serves and found themselves up 6-0. The closest Mississippi Valley came in set three was 8-6 but the Lady Braves held on to their lead and took set three 25-20.
Junior
Erica Caddell paved the way for the Lady Braves with seven kills. Mellom totaled 24 assists and two serving aces while
Vanessa Ortega recorded a game-high 19 digs and three serving aces.
With the win the Lady Braves defeated Mississippi Valley State for the first time since 2003.
Up next for the Lady Braves (7-12, 1-1) is a trip to Jackson to take on rival Jackson State in a key SWAC East matchup on Thursday night at 6 p.m.
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