Montgomery, Ala. – Alabama State began the 2019 campaign with a bang as the Lady Hornets defeated South Carolina State in straight sets (25-16, 25-16, 25-18) in non-conference volleyball action in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Lockhart Gymnasium on Friday evening.
 
Alabama State (1-0) hit a solid .371 while securing seven service aces and held the Bulldogs (0-1) to just a .100 hitting percentage.
 
Senior Bayle' Bennett led the way in her last season-opener as a Lady Hornet by nearly posting a double double in a game-high 12 kills (.300 hitting) and team-high seven digs in the contest while also tallying three service aces. Sophomore Taryn King followed behind with seven kills in 12 attempts, posting a .583 hitting percentage.
 
Set 1 (Alabama State 25, SCSU 16)
After falling down 9-3 early, Alabama State used a 10-4 run capped off by Bennett racking up back-to-back kills after a service ace from junior Alex Wiggins to tie the score at 13. The Lady Hornets only allowed three points after that the sole tie of the game, holding South Carolina State to a .050 hitting percentage in the set. Bennett finished the set with five kills and two service aces.
 
Set 2 (Alabama State 25, SCSU 16)
Alabama State controlled the tempo in set two, boasting a huge 22-9 lead forcing the Bulldogs to use all of their timeouts. Junior Taira Cottingham (.400 hitting) and senior Krysta Medearis (.750 hitting) both racked up three kills and a block assist in the set. The Lady Hornets hit a blistering .391 in the second set.
 
Set 3 (Alabama State 25, SCSU 18)
Bennett racked up five kills and freshman Madison Beasley poured in six assists to help the Lady Hornets secure the season-opening victory. Alabama State jumped out to a huge 11-3 lead highlighted by two kills from both Medearis and King. The Lady Hornets would not relinquish their lead to secure their fourth consecutive season-opening win.
 
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