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BATON ROUGE, LA –Over a two day stint during the 26th annual Southern University Volleyball Invitational the Lady Hornets didn't fair well due to some minor setbacks as they were defeated by the host team Southern University 3-1 (25-22, 17-25, 25-19, 25-21) and South Carolina State 3-0, (25-17, 25-14, 25-18) and earning a victory over Texas Southern 3-1 ( 15-25, 25-16, 25-12, 25-19) in Seymour Gymnasium at Southern.
Despite the efforts of senior outside hitter Brena Wheeler who finished with 17 kills, while sophomore libero Roselande Corneille added 21 digs, ASU couldn't overcome the host team Southern University in day one of the invitational.
Each game was tight with crucial points as the end of every game swinging Southern's way with the exception of the second set. The statistics were close across the board with Southern (8-11) holding an advantage in hitting percentage (.227-.226), blocks (11.0-5.0) and they knotted team kills, but the Lady Hornets (10-15) finished with more digs (62-52).
Senior Althea Russell added 10 kills to the loss, while junior setter Ana Pego ended the match with 42 assists. Junior outside hitter Asia Manning added her third double-double of the season with 14 kills and 13 digs.
The Jaguars were led by Jaquincia Williams with 18 kills and five blocks, while Kirsten Buggage picked up 13 kills and led the team defensively with 16 digs.
Day two of the invitational ASU was routed by MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) team South Carolina State 3-0, (25-17, 25-14, 25-18). Manning put down six kills with six digs to lead the Lady Hornets. Senior Jessica Lindsey contributed five kills, four digs, and four block assists, while Roselande Corneille tallied 13 digs to lead the team defensively.
SC had one player to record double-digit kills as Shabree Roberson had 14. Two other bulldog players who contributed to the SCS victory were Desire Waller and Jarne Gleaton who both tallied nine kills each.
On its final game of the tournament, Alabama State was the victor over Texas Southern University, 3-1 (15-25, 25-16, 25-12, 25-19) Saturday afternoon. Wheeler continued her dominance as she led the way with 13 kills, one service ace and seven digs. She also had two block assists to add to her numbers. Manning and Sandrieka Wilkins each added nine kills apiece, while Russell contributed five kills, four service aces and one block assists. Cornielle picked up 15 digs in the victory as well as an All-Tournament Team honor.
The Lady Tigers of Texas Southern were led by Ashlee Cooper who tallied 11 kills respectively. Cooper was aided by teammates Gabrielle Gray who had seven kills, Brataniey Moore and Kierra Whittaker who added six kills apiece.
Alabama State will return to action, Friday October 22 as the Lady Hornets travel to eastern divisional host Alcorn State. They will also match up with Alabama A&M on Tuesday, October 26 to close out home court play at 7 p.m. in Lockhart Gymnasium.
