ITTA BENA, Miss.- Alabama State's volleyball team opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a tough road win over Mississippi Valley State, three sets to two (25-22, 26-28, 25-27, 25-23, 15-10) Sunday afternoon.

Led by freshman outside hitter Maya Bell with 29 kills, the Lady Hornets (6-11, 1-0 SWAC) won the first set, beating the Devilettes (0-1 SWAC), before MVSU turned the tables in the second and third sets, placing ASU's backs against the wall before pulling out the victory.

Junior defensive specialist Roselande Corneille added 13 kills, followed by freshman outside hitter Erica Thompson and senior outside hitter Asia Manning had nine kills each.

“We are still learning,” said head coach Penny Lucas-White. “We haven't found a rhythm as a team, but the ladies fought through it and won. I am proud that they did that.”

Alabama State returns home to host its annual Lady Hornets Tournament this Friday and Saturday at Lockhart Gymnasium. South Carolina State, Mississippi Valley State, and Jackson State are scheduled to compete.

 -HORNETS-