Box Score The Alabama State volleyball team downed Alcorn State 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-14) in their SWAC opener on Friday evening in Lorman, Miss.
 
"Although we didn't play at a high level, I am content how we did play," said head coach Penny Lucas-White.  "I felt like we had some mental lapse that kind of hurt us a bit, especially in what we are trying to get accomplished.  But of course I am pleased with how they were steady enough to win all three sets."
 
State (4-7, 1-0 SWAC) opened the first set with a kill by Candace Martin to allow only one tie (1-1) and not letting the Lady Braves get comfortable, as the Lady Hornets took the first set 25-17 averaging a .286 attack percentage. 
 
Alcorn State (1-8 overall, 0-1 SWAC) began set two with an ace by Justus Tuiolosega making that her 16^th on the season.  Alabama State was able to hold off Alcorn as they tried to volley back into the game.  ASU was able to close out set two 25-16 on a balanced attack by Bayle' Bennett and Tamara Martin who posted three kills apiece in the win.
 
The Lady Braves tried to come alive in set three, opening the set with two quick ties.  ASU quickly got back on their feet not being fazed by Alcorn's slight momentum.  The Lady Hornets rallied off five back—to-back points behind the serve of Jamie Coleman (18-10).  ASU continued their rally as they picked up a 25-14 win to give them their first SWAC conference win of the 2016 season. 
 
Offensively for ASU junior Briana Dorsey led the way with nine kills, while Krysta Madearis added six.  Setter Tuiolosega had 24 touches and one service ace, to even lead the Lady Hornets in digs tallying 11.  Bennett and Ni'yesha Brown each aided the win with five apiece.  
 
"Bri did a good job for us today and that's what I totally expected," Lucas-White said.  "I expect explosiveness from my middle's all the time from both Briana and Candace.  I was pleased that she (Briana) was able to make the difference and the commitment as all the ladies did tonight."
 
 As a team Alabama State had a .319 percentage holding the Lady Braves to only .11 percent for the game.
 
Dnada Smith led the Lady Braves offensively as she registered six kills; while Lurlethia Jones added five and Sydney  Mellon had four kills.  Leticia Gonzales added 11 assists.
 
Defensively, Alcorn was led by junior libero Carol Kiam-Assato with seven digs.
 
Alabama State will return to the court Sunday, Sept. 18 for a first serve at 10 a.m. against the Jaguars of Southern U.
 
"I think going into this game with Southern that our expectations are high enough that we can play at a higher level," said Lucas White.  "Southern is definitely not a team that we can play with, we will definitely have to bring out our "A" game.
 
Follow Alabama State Athletics via its official website at: www.bamastatesports.com to get all the latest updates.
 
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