SU volleyball earns SWAC tournament bid

A player shortage may be the cause of Southern’s volleyball team’s current woes.
Two players have left and one is volleying from one sport to another, contributing to a constant shift in chemistry and an overall 7-8 record.
Despite its troubles, the team has not given up, said head coach Nathaniel Denu.
“Considering the shorthandness, we did remarkably well,” Denu said. “I always knew we were very talented. Our whole problem has been pulling together (and) pulling together means having a consistent team.”
Due to Hurricane Rita, Southern rescheduled its matches against Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern and held them on Nov. 28 and 30, respectively. The Lady Jaguars lost to Prairie View A&M 0-3, but defeated the Lady Tigers 3-2. The last win has qualified Southern for a bid in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.
“When we play together, we win as a team,” said senior outside hitter Krystal Young.
Young had 27 kills, while sophomore outside hitter TaRhonda White had 21 and junior outside hitter Shametia Whitaker had 15 in the match against Texas Southern. In the same game, Whitaker and White each had 27 digs, while Young had 16. Whitaker, Young, White, and freshmen middle blocker Edna Payne each had one block.
Against Prairie View A&M, Young had seven kills, while Whitaker and freshmen Lakenya Simpson each had five kills. White had nine digs, two blocks and Young had eight digs and one block.
“We are trying, just taking it one day at a time,” Young said. “If we show up and do what we have to do, we will be alright. We can win it, cause we are a very talented team.”
The Lady Jaguars (7-8, 1-4 SWAC) are now placed fourth in the western division with two games remaining. They will face Jackson State tonight at 7:30 p.m.
“Jackson State is going to be a tough contest, they are one of the leaders in the eastern division,” Denu said. “We are going to give it our best shot.”