Volleyball Puts Up Fight Against Southern Miss, Spring Hill

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Alcorn State University volleyball program wrapped up the second day of the Southern Mississippi Classic with a 3-1 loss to the hosts and a 3-0 loss to Spring Hill College (Ala.) Saturday at Reed Green Coliseum.

Freshman Sydney Joseph had another good day offensively, leading the Lady Braves (0-3) with 16 kills. Sophomore Mae Lewis followed with 11 kills, sophomore Jasmine Chambers tallied 30 assists, and sophomore Fiapaipai Iosia served a team-high nine aces. Sophomore Kaylyn Latin and Iosia totaled 23 and 16 digs, respectively, and Joseph recorded a solo block.

"The set against Southern Mississippi was huge validation for Alcorn State volleyball," said head coach Chelsey Lucas. "It;s what can happen when we execute the small things. This opened our ladies' eyes about the preparation and mental work that they have put in will pay off. This weekend tested our IQ, mental toughness, and our team values. We must build on competing for an entire game."

Southern Mississippi | L, 3-1 (17-25, 13-25, 25-23, 13-25)

The Golden Eagles (2-0) looked to earn a straight-set victory over Alcorn after building a 2-0 match lead, but the Lady Braves refused to go down easily. The Purple and Gold led for most of set three when USM tied the score at 18-18. Alcorn took back the lead thanks to a service error and a kill by Lewis, but the home team wrestled back control with a four-point swing. USM looked to put the match away up 23-22, but another Lewis score and back-to-back aces by Iosia forced a fourth set.

USM opened with four straight and took off on a 5-0 run to create enough separation. Down 22-10, the teams traded points as the Golden Eagles claimed the win.

Spring Hill College | L, 3-0 (22-25, 17-25, 21-25)

In its second match of the day, Alcorn built an early 7-2 advantage in the opening set, but the Badgers (1-2) scored the next six points. Neither side could hold onto the lead for long, but the Purple and White did just enough to edge the Lady Braves 25-22 in set one.

The visitors on the scoreboard took over set two after a tie at 10-10. Spring Hill then closed out set two with a 6-1 run. Alcorn was in control in the third set 17-11, but was unable to halt a surge by the Badgers. Spring Hill erupted for a 10-1 swing to take the match in straight sets.

Alcorn has a short turnaround as the Lady Braves host Wiley College for their home opener this Tuesday. The match is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

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