JACKSON, MISS. | Alabama State dominated from the start and used an efficient defensive performance to pick up its tenth straight conference win with a three-set takedown of Jackson State (25-14, 25-19, 25-13).
With the win, the Lady Hornets (19-17, 16-2 SWAC) notched their sixth consecutive season with a record of .500 or better. Alabama State dominated at the net, amassing 14 total blocks and limiting the Lady Tigers (11-23, 9-8) to a negative attack percentage (-.162).
Junior
Payten Clark led the way with eight kills (.357) and added four blocks.
Bayle' Bennett (seven kills, five blocks),
Taira Cottingham (seven kills),
Krysta Medearis (six kills) and
Candace Martin (eight blocks) all proved instrumental in the win.
Amber Bolden closed out the opening set with the second Lady Hornets' service ace of the frame and Alabama State used two, 8-1 runs to sprint away with the opener. Bennett and Medearis each put away three attacks and Alabama State outhit the Lady Tigers .273 to -.095.
The Lady Tigers appeared destined to even the match, jumping out to a 15-8 lead to open the second stanza. Alabama State proceeded to explode for a 17-4 run following a timeout from head coach
Penny Lucas-White and Bennett closed out the set with two service aces before a Lady Tigers' error ended the set. Martin dominated the stanza with five blocks and Cottingham hammered four kills.
Kori Kutsch (18 assists) opened the game-clinching set with a service ace, a portent of the domination Alabama State would use in the frame en route to an easy final set.
Alabama State closes out the regular season Wednesday night at 6 pm with a tilt against Florida A&M. Seniors
Kori Kutsch,
Candace Martin and
Kayla Torres will be honored as a part of senior night festivities.
Follow the Lady Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State volleyball, follow the Lady Hornets on social media at @BamaStateVB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State Athletics at BamaStateSports.com.
Â
