LORMAN, Miss. - The Alcorn State University volleyball program posted its first two victories of the season Friday at the Davey L. Whitney Complex with a pair of straight-set wins over Concordia (2-6).
"I'm very happy for this program and these young ladies getting their first two wins," said head coach Chelsey Lucas. "I'm so excited to have this team continue to build a foundation for the future. I hope we all learn and continue to focus on the small things to make the big plays happen. The girls understood that tonight and we will continue to get better as we get closer to conference play."
Match 1 | W, 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-23)
Freshman Ashley Samuel led the way for Alcorn (2-13) in the first match with eight kills and a pair of blocks. Freshman Daharri Thompkins scored six kills with an assist and junior Singryd Valadares contributed five kills with three blocks and a dig. Freshman Jasmine Chambers collected 18 assists with a team-high nine digs and senior Lurlethia Jones served three aces.
The Lady Hornets took an early 6-3 lead in the opening set, but committed four straight errors as the Lady Braves took back control 8-7. Following a Concordia kill that tied the game at 8-8, Alcorn pulled away with runs of 6-0 and 5-0 to claim the first match point.
Set two started just like set one, with Concordia taking a 6-2 lead before Alcorn fought back with five straight points to go up 7-6. Again, the Lady Braves distanced themselves with multiple 3-0 runs to go ahead 2-0.
The final set of the match was neck-and neck and featured 14 ties. Knotted at 23-23, freshman Fiapaipai Iosia scored a kill and Concordia committed a setting error to conclude the match.
Match 2 | W, 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-18)
In match two, junior Alondra Rivera Modesto finished with nine kills and a dig, followed by Samuel and Iosia, each with five kills. Chambers tallied 15 assists and Iosia served a season-high six aces. On defense, Samuel and Thompkins each had a block, while sophomore Melinda Perrilloux and Iosia recorded 11 and 10 digs respectively.
Set one was close until Alcorn created some separation with three kills and two service aces, putting the Lady Braves in control 22-13. Following an attack error, freshman Kayla Anderson scored a point and Thompkins served back-to-back aces to claim the 1-0 early lead.
Alcorn found itself ahead 15-10Â and then 18-13 in the second set, but Concordia battled back to within 19-17. The Lady Braves would close out the set with a 6-1 run, however, to take the 2-0 lead.
In the last set, the Lady Braves came out of the gates fast, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. The Lady Hornets were able to get to within 9-8, but three straight aces by Iosia highlighted a 7-0 run. The teams then traded points as Alcorn took the set and the match.
With the wins, the Lady Braves are now 4-0 in the all-time series.
The team opens up next week on the road with a doubleheader at Williams Baptist College Monday in Walnut Ridge, Ark. The first match is scheduled for a 3 p.m start with the second match to follow at 5 p.m.
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