BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alcorn State University volleyball program dropped its three contests against high-level competition at the Blazer Invitational hosted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham over the weekend.
The Lady Braves (2-6) saw freshman Jéda Curry lead the team in kills during each match with a total of 25 kills and an average of 2.8 per set. Junior Jasmine Chambers averaged 59 assists per set and junior Fiapaipai Iosia was the team's leader for digs at 24 total over the three games (2.7 per set).
"This weekend we really grew as a team, the team worked hard," said Head Coach Melissa Robinson. "Our team chemistry and ability to play up to the competition was tested this weekend and we did a good job showing our growth, very excited about the direction the team is headed in."
UAB | L, 0-3 (14-25, 15-25, 15-25)
The first set saw Alcorn give up the first point of the match before taking a 5-3 lead on three UAB errors and a kill each by Jéda Curry and senior Wanya Morris. The Blazers then erupted for six straight points to reclaim the advantage at 9-5. The Lady Braves answered the bell, rattling off six of the next eight points to tie the proceedings at 11. The green and gold caught fire by going on a run of 14-3 to win the first set (14-25).
The Lady Braves drew first blood in the second set in part to two Blazer errors and a service ace by Jasmine Chambers which gave Alcorn a 3-1 upper-hand. UAB went on a 6-1 rally to take a 7-4 lead, forcing an Alcorn timeout. Alabama-Birmingham took further control after the timeout, outscoring Alcorn 18-11 to go ahead two sets to zero (15-25).
The third set was a seesaw affair through the first 15 points as the Blazers clung to a 9-8 advantage. UAB blew the game open afterwards, winning the set and sweeping the match (15-25).
Curry was the standout performer for the Lady Braves, falling just short of a double-double while leading the team in kills (9) and digs (10). Chambers totaled 14 assists for an average of 4.7.
East Tennessee State | L, (16-25, 22-25, 18-25)
The first set was deadlocked at six before the Bucs took over with a 9-2 outburst that gave ETSU a 17-8 advantage. Alcorn would close the gap to six (15-21) but East Tennessee State capped off the first set victory with a nine-point final margin (16-25).
Once again, the early stages of the second set were fairly even as the Lady Braves and Buccaneers stood tied at four through the first eight points of the set. Both squads would take turns making a run as ETSU went for stretches of five and four straight with Alcorn having a three-point rally (7-13). The purple and gold would claw its way back to knot the score at 16 apiece but East Tennessee State made just enough impactful plays to squeak out the second set with a triumph (22-25).
The third set saw the Bucs and Lady Braves swap runs of 4-0 to start things off. The set remained close as both clubs split the next 18 points as well to remain all squared up at 13-all. East Tennessee State earned a little bit of breathing room with a 7-5 run but the Lady Braves still had a fighting chance. Five consecutive points by ETSU ended Alcorn's comeback quest as Coach Robinson's bunch fell in straight sets (18-25).
Curry was Alcorn's leader in the kill department for the second match in a row, sharing the title with junior Daharri Thompkins who both contributed six. Chambers averaged 7.7 assists per set (23 total) to go along with fronting the Lady Braves' defensive effort with eight digs. Thompkins and redshirt senior Singryd Valadares both recorded four blocks each.
Alabama | L, 0-3 (12-25, 11-25, 14-25)
Alabama came out ready to play, taking an 9-5 advantage through 14 points. The Crimson Tide built its lead as high as nine (10-19) as UA rolled in the first set (12-25).
The second set was more of the same as the Tide scored 20 of the first 26 points en route to another set victory (11-25).
UA scored the first five points of the third set but the Lady Braves continued to fight as they pulled within three after a 5-3 run (5-8). An 8-2 Crimson Tide run put the game on ice as Alabama claimed the match in straight sets (14-25).
Curry once again topped Alcorn in kills (10), Chambers averaged 5.3 assists per set and Iosia tallied a team-high nine digs.
Alcorn will get eight days off before heading west to face the ULM Warhawks in Monroe on September 22 at 5 p.m. inside Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
#FearTheBrave
