Built to last: Jaguars tame bulldogs

Southern University’s Lady Volleyball Team (2-7) hosted Alabama A&M University (1-13) for their season opener. Fans came to support both teams as they went head to head for the first SWAC play of the season. The Lady Jaguars slid past the Bulldogs 3-2 in 5 sets. The first set was dominated by the Lady Jaguars. Southern Went on a 10-2 run to start the match off. Alabama answered with an 11-7 run sparked by two kills from Ashundria McNeal but it was too minimal of a comeback effort. The Jaguars won the first set 25-22.
The next two sets were controlled by Alabama A&M. The Bull Dogs went on a 17-9 run in the second set that allowed them to build a large enough lead to remain unbothered by SU’s comeback attempt late in the set. AAMU ended the second set with a .350 hitting percentage and went on to win the set 25-22. The Third set was a nail biter. It consisted of nine ties and six lead changes. The Jaguars contested a comeback with a 3-0 run but McNeal led her team to a win with a kill.
“We are a very young team, but a very athletic team,” explained Junior Middle Blocker Bayley Neubauer.
The fourth set was one for the books. The young Jaguars started off strong with a 5-2 lead. A 14-7 run made by the bulldogs left Southern in a 16-12 deficit.SU then went on to put up 5 unanswered points to tie the game at 17. The game tied an additional 5 times to send the game into a 5th set.
“Our seniors and our captains basically told everyone what their responsibilities were and set goals for the next set and I think they obtained them. They willed themselves to win, “stated Head Coach Vanessa Jacobs.
The fifth set mirrored the previous one. AAMU got off to a 3-0 lead. The set was tied at 10 before Southern took a 14-10 lead from the help of two Alabama attack errors and a kill. After an attack error made by Southern, they went on to secure the win with a score of 15-12.
“I’m thrilled for the Win. I’m excited about our entire group. They played hard, they played good enough to win,” answered Head Coach Vanessa Jacobs.
Freshman Middle Blocker Arabella Hall rallied for Southern, ending the game with 20 kills, 1 ace, and 2 blocks. Senior outside hitter Melodie Malone added 17 kills and 14 digs to Southern’s effort.