Tucson, Ariz. – Alabama State was unable to slow down Arizona's offense and fell, 3-0 (13-25, 17-25, 10-25) in non-conference volleyball action in the Wildcat Classic on Friday morning.
 
The Lady Hornets (3-9) stuck with the Wildcats (8-2) early on in the first two sets but Arizona hit .450 and .457 in the first two sets, respectively to gain a 2-0 lead and enough momentum to solidify the win.
 
Senior Bayle' Bennett led the offense with nine kills alongside seven digs. Junior Taira Cottingham followed behind with a season-high seven kills and a season-high tying two blocks.
 
Defensively, freshman Emersen Belles recorded a game-high 10 digs. Classmate Madison Beasley posted a team-high 14 assists.
 
Set One (Alabama State 13, Arizona 25)
Alabama State stuck with Arizona early in the set, tying the score two times but the Wildcats took a 6-5 lead that they would not relinquish. The Lady Hornets came within three at 7-10 and 9-12 but were unable to stop Arizona's offense. Alabama State recorded more kills than Arizona (11-10) but the Wildcats tallied seven service aces to hold on for the set win.
 
Set Two (Alabama State 17, Arizona 25)
Alabama State began the second set on fire, hanging with Arizona until the Wildcats posted a 14-13 lead and went on a 5-0 run to slow down any Lady Hornet momentum. Alabama State hit .320 in the set with 10 kills but Arizona hit .457 with 19 kills. Bennett recorded four kills and four digs in the set.
 
Set Three (Alabama State 10, Arizona 25)
Arizona controlled the momentum the entire set as the Wildcats held Alabama State to a -.148 hitting percentage and forced 11 Lady Hornet errors. Despite only allowing nine kills, Alabama State was stuck with just seven kills in the set.
 
Up Next
Alabama State will be back in action tonight against Sacramento State at 6:30 p.m. CT.
 
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