ITTA BENA, Miss.  –  With five-set marathon victories becoming the norm for the Alabama State volleyball team, their resolve in pressure situations continues to strengthen as the regular season draws to a close.

The Lady Hornets (16-13, 4-2 SWAC) will look to wrap up conference play on a strong note and solidify the No. 2 seed in the SWAC East Division as it travels to Mississippi to take on Mississippi Valley State (3-28, 0-7 SWAC) on Friday at 7 p.m. and at Alcorn State (11-17, 2-4 SWAC) on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Jackson State has already clinched the top seed in the East after topping Valley this past Tuesday to improve to 7-1 in conference play. 

It's the first time in three years that ASU will not be the No. 1 seed heading into the SWAC Tournament.

However, Alabama State is still the only team in the conference with an overall winning record.

And, the Lady Hornets have played well in winning 10 of its last 11 matches including five-set wins against SWAC rival Alabama A&M last Friday and at UAB of Conference USA this past Tuesday. 

"We have developed the ability to be relentless so nothing fazes them," said ASU head coach Penny Lucas-White.

"They're always going to fight because they're a more mature team.  I think everybody is confident and the good thing is that they are focused and the main goal is still in front of them."

Players set new benchmarks too as Rachel Smith surpassed 1,000 kills in her four-year career at Alabama State with her nine kills in the victory.

Jamie Coleman also set a new career-high with 27 digs as ASU's top protector on the back line.

Amber Bennett is vast approaching the 1,000 career kill plateau as well to join Smith.

Currently, Am. Bennett has 976 kills. 

"She's peeking at the perfect time," Lucas-White said.

Another milestone is well within reach for senior right side Tiara Kelley, who needs one kill for 600 in her two and a half seasons at ASU.  

Alabama State swept both of these teams in their prior meetings this season with the Lady Hornets topping each in Montgomery.  

Halle Gayten led the Devilettes with nine kills, five digs and three blocks. 

But, ASU prevailed 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-23) behind the trio of Chelsey Scott (15 kills), Myla Marshall (10 kills, two blocks) and Smith (10 kills, 11 digs).

In its match up with Alcorn, the Lady Hornets had a quicker match in winning 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-13). 

Smione Joiner had five kills to lead the Braves. 

For ASU, Scott (12 kills), Am. Bennett (nine kills) and Smith (eight kills, 10 digs) directed the Lady Hornets' attack. 

"Alcorn is really good defensively and we know that Valley plays well at home," Lucas-White said.

"I don't think we'll make that mistake again for taking anybody lightly.  We have a no opportunities wasted mindset.  I think we're pretty focused. 

LEADERS

Alabama State: Rachel Smith 216 kills (2.04 per set), Kori Kutsch 508 assists (4.79 assists per set), Myla Marshall 125 total blocks (1.17 blocks per set), Smith 30 aces (0.28 aces per set), Scout Wonsang 293 digs (2.84 digs per set).

Mississippi Valley State: Halle Gayten 221kills (2.19 kills per set), Brooklyn Hudson 344 assists (5.83 assists per set), Cynthia Richardson 70 total blocks (0.71 blocks per set), Kalin Barnes and Gayten 19 aces apiece (0.19 aces per set), Barnes 385 digs (3.81 digs per set). 

Alcorn State: Taylor Scriven 185 kills (2.08 kills per set), Sydney Mellom 204 assists (3.19 assists per set), Kalee Maricle 79 total blocks (0.92 blocks per set), Carol Kiam-Assato 28 aces (0.53 aces per set), Dnada Smith 209 digs, Kiam-Assato 3.40 digs per set. 

#GOHORNETS#