LORMAN, Miss. - Jackson State handed the Alcorn State University volleyball program a 3-0 conference loss at home Thursday night at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
"The AIDs/HIV Awareness game was great," said head coach Chelsey Lucas, "but we as a team have to play better. We need to understand that it will take more skill for us to win."
Junior Alondra Rivera Modesto led the way for Alcorn with six kills, followed by freshman Daharri Thompkins with five. Freshman Jasmine Chambers reached double-digit assists with 11. Freshman Fiapaipai Iosia, sophomore Melinda Perrilloux, and freshmen Octavia Dixon and Alicia Johnson each served an ace. Rivera Modesto and junior Singryd Valadares each recorded three blocks and Iosia, the SWAC Defender of the Week, finished with a team-high 18 digs.
The Lady Tigers (3-18, 2-4) looked to pull away early, but Alcorn fought back to even the score at 4-4, 5-5, and again at 9-9. The visitors created some separation with a 9-1 run, however, and closed with four-straight points to secure the first match point.
In set two, an early 6-0 run by JSU gave the Lady Tigers a 9-3 advantage. Alcorn was unable to respond and Jackson State took a 2-0 lead into the intermission.
In the final set, the Lady Tigers were in control 6-3 before the Lady Braves strung together five unanswered points. The guests wrestled back the lead with a pair of 4-0 runs and a 5-0 run, with Alcorn unable to cut back into the lead.
The Lady Braves open next week at home as they host Mississippi Valley State in a 6 p.m. conference match Monday night. The contest marks Brave Night as well as the team's Faculty Appreciation game. Fans are encouraged to show their pride and wear purple or gold, and the Lady Braves will recognize faculty and staff that have helped them during their time at Alcorn.
#FearTheBrave
