TUSCON, Ariz. - Despite a great effort, Alabama State University women's volleyball fell short in the first two matches of the 2022 Cactus Classic by a score of 3-0 to New Mexico State University and a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Long Island University on Friday, August 26, 2022, in Tuscon, Arizona.

THE BASICS
Score: Alabama State - 0 |  New Mexico State - 3
Records: Lady Hornets 0-1 | Aggies 1-0
Location: Tucson, Ariz. | McKale Center
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HOW IT HAPPENED

• Despite losing the first set 25-23, Alabama State registered 14 kills. 
• Jada Rhodes tallied three kills in the second set but New Mexico State would overcome and win 26-24 to take a 2-0 lead.
• New Mexico State finished the third set on a 17-6 scoring run to win 25-14 and complete the 3-0 sweep.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Alabama State registered 29 kills while New Mexico State amassed 39 kills. 
• Mahogany Vinson, Kalysia Bates, and Kaylah Jackson recorded seven kills apiece, followed by five kills from Jada Rhodes for the Lady Hornets.
• Katie Birtcil totaled a game-high 18 kills and three digs for New Mexico State.
• Jada Rhodes dominated on the defensive end with a team-high 11 digs for the match. 
• Darian Markham finished the match with a game-high 15 digs for New Mexico State.
• Kalysia Bates, Temperance Chatman, Madison Beasley, Jada Rhodes, and Emily Brooks registered one service ace apiece for Alabama State. 
• Madison Beasley led the Hornets in assists with 15 total.

THE BASICS
Score: Alabama State - 2 |  Long Island University - 3
Records: Lady Hornets 0-2 | Sharks 1-1
Location: Tucson, Ariz. | McKale Center
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HOW IT HAPPENED

• Alabama State held a 2-0 lead after posting 20 kills in the first two sets combined. 
• Long Island won the third set 25-23, despite six kills from Kaylah Jackson of Alabama State.
• Long Island overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. The Sharks won the fourth set 32-30 and completed the comeback with a 15-9 win in the fifth.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Alabama State recorded 64 kills while Long Island managed 65 kills. 
• Jada Rhodes tallied a team-high 17 kills and nine digs for Alabama State.
• Amaris Smith registered a game-high 24 kills for Long Island.
• Temperance Chatman led the lady hornets in digs with 32. 
• Kalysia Bates (11), Mahogany Vinson (10), Jada Rhodes (17), and Kaylah Jackson (16) recorded double-digit kills for Alabama State. 
• Madison Beasley led the Hornets in assists with 36 total.

NEXT UP
Alabama State looks to bounce back on day two of the Cactus Classic as they take on the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 3 p.m. CST in Tuscon, Arizona.