Atlanta, Ga. | Alabama State opened the final day of the Hyatt Regency Invitational at O'Keefe Gymnasium with a tough setback to Tulane, losing 3-0 (16-25, 20-25, 13-25).

The Green Wave (6-1) employed an attack that featured eleven players with at least one kill while Kaylie McHugh (15 digs) was a stalwart defensively, accounting for numerous digs on difficult shots. Alabama State led early in all three sets but was unable to maintain the momentum.

Junior Taira Cottingham, making her first start of the season, provided an early spark en route to hitting .286, notching two service aces and scoring 5.5 points in the opening set. Krysta Medearis tallied three kills, Kori Kutsch doled out four assists and senior Kayla Torres had four digs in the frame.

Cottingham continued her outstanding play in the second set with six more points, including five kills (.200 attack percentage) and two blocks. Kutsch notched an impressive 12 assists as the Lady Hornets (3-3) made Tulane earn the set victory, forcing eight ties and four lead changes.

The Green Wave broke away in the final set courtesy of six service aces, amassing 12 in the match.

Cottingham finished with 14.5 points (11 kills, three blocks and two service aces), Medearis ended the match with an eight-kill effort and Kutsch posted 20 assists.

Alabama State returns to action this afternoon for its final game of the tournament, as the Lady Hornets are slated for a 2 pm match versus Wofford. Live stats of the contest can be tracked here.

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