JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The Alcorn State University volleyball program handed head volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas-Nicholas her first win in an exciting five-setter over Albany State Tuesday inside Knox-Windham Gym.
Freshman
BARBARA GARRETT had a memorable performance as she posted her first career double-double with a career-high 16 kills and 11 digs.
Junior
HEATHER JACKSON also fired double-digit kills (11) on an efficient .391 attacking percentage. Junior
ARIEL SCOTT's service proved effective as she recorded four aces.
Senior libero
CAROL KIAM-ASSATO held the backline with 18 digs. Junior
DNADA SMITH and senior
JASMINE CRUZ also totaled double-digit digs with 11 and 10, respectively.
The Lady Braves' (1-7) win came in the midst of a four-game stretch which included losses to Miles College (1-0), North Dakota (4-4) and Jacksonville State (3-6).
"The first game [against Miles] was an eye opener for them," Lucas-Nicholas said. "The second game worked out in our favor. However, I told them we have to do everything with a purpose because it's pointless to play a sport without heart."
Garrett led Alcorn with seven kills against MC. After dropping the first two sets, the Lady Braves were able to take the third 25-17 but fell 25-22 in the fourth.
Despite falling in straight sets to ND, senior setter
SYDNEY MELLOM was able to spread the attack among Garrett (5), Jackson (4), Smith (4) and sophomore
LURLETHIA JONES (4),
Jackson took over offensively in the straight-set loss to JSU, smashing seven kills on an impressive .389 clip. Kiam-Assato notched 12 digs, marking the third time in four matches in the double-digit digs column.
"
HEATHER JACKSON was a great leader today," Lucas-Nicholas said. "She produced on and off the court and fought to the end of every game."
Alcorn returns to action in its home and conference opener against Alabama State University Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. inside the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
#FearTheBrave
