JACKSON, Miss. - The Alabama State volleyball team defeated Jackson State 3-2 (25-12, 14-25, 25-13, 24-26, 15-12) to remain undefeated in Southwestern Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon during an intense matchup in the Lee E. Williams Athletic & Assembly Center.
 
Alabama State (17-14, 5-0 SWAC) opened the first set a little timid until they went on 6-0 run (10-4) not allowing the Lady Tigers back into the game, taking the first set 25-12 averaging a .588 attack percentage. 
 
Jackson State (7-17 overall, 3-3 SWAC) redeemed themselves in the second set, overpowering ASU 25-14. Set three saw the Lady Hornets picking up its second win of the match, going on an early 5-0 run on three service aces by Ellyn Jones.  Alabama State took the set, 25-13.
 
The fourth set saw Jackson State rally from a 17-9 deficit before taking the set 26-24. In the fifth and deciding set, Alabama State took control, jumping out to a 6-0 lead before Jackson State scored its first point. Alabama State held off the Lady Tigers' final rally, winning 15-12 to take the match. 
 
"I am very proud of the ladies," said Alabama State Head Coach Penny Lucas-White.  "This win was huge for our girls.  They would look at me expecting me to fuss, but we just won in Jackson State's house.  It was a bit of a see-saw battle on both sides, either we beat them badly and they would beat us badly, but then everyone showed up.  For us to still stay in the game, we stayed resilient and I am so pleased with this team.  It's really good to know we will be at home next week."
 
Offensively, ASU sophomore Amber Bennett led the way with 15 kills while Tiara Kelley added 11.  Ellyn Jones added 19 assists and five service aces, and teammate Brooke Beasley had 18 assists and also had five service aces to lead ASU in the victory.  Luiza Griz led the Lady Hornets defensively, tallying 15 digs.
 
Seniors Paige Williams and Angelica Kelley led the Lady Tigers offensively. Williams registered nine kills; while Kelley added 13 assists. Defensively, JSU was led by senior Briana Hopkins with 13 digs.
 
Alabama State will return to the court when they travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., in a final non-conference matchup against Stillman, Tuesday, November 5 at 6 pm.

GO HORNETS