Coming off of exciting conference road victories, the Alabama State volleyball team (5-7, 2-0 SWAC) continues on the road this weekend as they compete against Grambling State Lady Tigers (2-4, 1-1 SWAC) in a 3 p.m. contest on Friday and then will travel over to Little Rock, Ark. to face the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-9, 0-2 SWAC) at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
 
The Lady Tigers claimed a conference victory over Prairie View (3-2) last weekend, while falling to Texas Southern (1-3).  Grambling played a non-conference match on Tuesday defeating Jarvis Christian 3-2.  Demetria Keys-Johnson is the head coach for Grambling and she is in her sixth season at the helm of the program.  The Lady Tigers are led by freshman Chasity Nicks.  Thus far this season she has tallied 38 kills averaging .133 kills per game, five service aces, 29 digs and 12 blocks (assisted).  When the two teams last met in Jackson, Mississippi on the campus of JSU during the SWAC round-up in October of 2015 ASU swept GSU 3-0 (25-14, 26-14, 25-15).
 
The Lady Golden Lions enter Saturday's contest without a win, falling to Texas teams Texas Southern (1-3) and Prairie View (0-3) in very close set scores.   UAPB is headed by Dustin Sahlmann.  He returns to the Lady Golden Lions for his second season at the head of the program.  Kendalle Howard leads the UAPB volleyball program, totaling 57 kills, two service aces, 32 digs, and eight blocks (2 solo and 6 assists).  When Alabama State and the Lady Golden Lions faced off last season during the SWAC round-up, ASU took the win by a margin of 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-15).
 
Briana Dorsey continues to lead the way for the Lady Hornets.  Thus far, Dorsey has totaled 90 kills (2.14 kills per set), nine service aces, 19 digs, and 40 blocks (9 solo, 31 assisted).  Justus Tuiolosega also plays a key role in State's line up.  Totaling 233 assists (5.55 per set) and 20 service aces.  She ranks first in the league in both areas. 
 
After Alabama State's two matches this weekend, they will return home for Connection weekend on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.  The team is inviting all local middle school and high schools to root them on as they open conference play at home.
 
                                                                                                            #WVBALL#