Not In Our House: Lady Jags Send Braves Back Home

The anticipation hung thick in the air as the Lady Jags of Southern University prepared to face off against Alcorn in what promised to be an intense college volleyball match. Both teams had their eyes set on victory, but only one would emerge triumphant. As the game unfolded, both teams displayed their skills and prowess on the court, but it was the Lady Jags who ultimately emerged victorious, securing a well-deserved win against Alcorn. In the first period of the game, Alcorn started strong, taking the lead with their first score. They continued to pressure Southern, attempting to knock the ball out and force them to score another point. In the early stages, Alcorn led 6-4, but the Lady Jags fought back, scoring crucial points to tie the game at 6-6. It was a rollercoaster of a game, with both teams showcasing impressive athletic abilities.
A pivotal moment came when Alissa Williams, a sophomore setter and right-side player for Alcorn, momentarily lost control of the ball, resulting in Southern tying the score at 10-10. However, Alcorn failed to block a loose ball, giving Southern an advantage to take the lead with the next point. On the other side of the court, the Lady Jags wanted to keep their winning streak alive. Akilah Smith, a sophomore middle blocker and right-side player for the Lady Jags, played a critical role in their comeback. She consistently scored points and led the team with her exceptional skills. Alongside her, Leslie Warren, a sophomore and right-side player, and Elise Doomes, a redshirt sophomore outside hitter, displayed remarkable teamwork and determination. The Lady Jags made great strides, taking the lead with a score of 16-14. The teammates on the sidelines cheered their team on, propelling them forward in their quest to stay in the lead.
The core principle of accountability was evident within the team, as standout player Akilah Smith highlights the importance of holding oneself and teammates accountable. Smith told The Southern Digest, “The essence of teamwork in volleyball lies in being receptive and understanding.” She believes that sometimes it is not about how something is said, but rather the message being conveyed. Her leadership and willingness to take responsibility for mistakes made the entire team better. Janelle Pye-Blacknard and Jordan Felix also shone as standout players for the Lady Jags, showcasing their skills and dedication on the court. With a six-point lead, Southern University’s Lady Jags successfully gained more points through their defensive attacks against Alcorn.
As the game progressed into the second period, junior outside hitter and defensive specialist Marian Attaway and sophomore middle blocker Kailee Deffebaugh displayed their agility and coordination, further bolstering the Lady Jags’ performance. The team’s communication and teamwork ethics were on full display, allowing them to score on each play. Akilah Smith continued to dominate, using her powerful defensive attacks to score consistently. With a score of 11-7, the Lady Jags seemed to have a strong grip on the game. However, Alcorn briefly took the lead in the third period with a score of 21-11. Yet, the Lady Jags showed resilience and determination, rallying together to overcome the deficit. They defeated Alcorn with a winning lead of 7-2 at the beginning of the fourth period. The Alcorn team seemed to have lost their momentum and determination from the third period, allowing the Lady Jags to take control of the game. With spikes from Akilah Smith and Jordan Felix, the team continued to push forward, leading them to a victorious score of 19-8.
With this win, Southern University’s Lady Jags proved their strength and ability as a team. Their strong communication, teamwork ethics, and resilience allowed the Lady Jags to be victorious. The players’ commitment to each other and their shared goals of success propelled them to overcome adversity and emerge victorious. Overall, it was a collective effort from every teammate that contributed to the win. Senior defensive specialist and libero Alissa Santoyo played a crucial role in supporting her teammates and counter-attacking the opponent’s plays. Jordan Felix, reflecting on the victory, highlighted the team’s focus on the future and their unified goal of success.
“The team’s ability to push each other and use adversity as fuel for improvement was instrumental in their win,” says Felix after the victorious win. Southern University’s Lady Jags put on an amazing performance, showcasing their skills, determination, and unwavering teamwork. Each player contributed their unique strengths, creating a formidable force on the court. The Digest spoke with the coach to learn that “they practice overcoming deficits and focus on keeping the ball in play. This mindset of resilience and determination was reflected in their performance on the court,” says Coach Venessa Jacobs. The Lady Jags’ relentless pursuit of victory paid off, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and their opponents. Their playstyle captivated the audience throughout the game, showcasing bursts of intensity and complexity. It is no wonder they emerged as the victorious team, solidifying their place in Southern University’s volleyball legacy.