Greeley, Colo. | Alabama State dropped the opening match of the Hampton Inn and Suites Invitational to Pacific, 3-1 (19-25, 8-25, 25-21, 25-14).

It was the first match for Alabama State (3-6) with a set victory since defeating South Carolina State 3-0 on August 25. The Lady Hornets  fought valiantly in the opening set, however two big runs broke the frame open for the Tigers (7-0 and 4-0).

Alabama State connected on an efficient .190 in third set and led from start to finish to force a fourth set that Pacific (4-3) eventually ran away with, courtesy of a sterling .520 attack percentage.

The Lady Hornets had several players contribute, as Candace Martin and Taira Cottingham tied for the team lead with 9.5 points. Bayle' Bennett finished with six kills and freshman Kayla Warren totaled a season-best eight assists. Payten Clark returned to the lineup for the first time this year and led all Lady Hornets with four blocks. Pacific was led by 20 kills from Kaitlynn Lines.

Alabama State returns to action this evening with a 5 pm match against San Jose State. Live stats of the match can be found here.

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