Volleyball shakes back in SWAC play

After not managing to secure a victory during last week’s Troy Tournament, Southern’s volleyball team looked to even out their win-loss record as they began SWAC play in Prairie View, TX. 
Taking on numerous teams from throughout the SWAC in the tournament, the Jags relied heavily on their blocking and playmaking during the first match vs Alcorn, which saw Southern out-block the Braves 6-0 throughout all three sets. 
The Jags brought an intensity to their first match early, as they took an immediate 7-0 lead during the first set of play. Southern didn’t take their feet off the gas as they led by as many as 18 points on their way to a 25-7 opening victory. 
The second set saw a more contested affair once Alcorn got their bearings and narrowed double digit deficit to 24-21 before the Jags closed out the second set with a score of 25-21.
Alcorn looked to mount a comeback in the third set as they kept the score close for most of the set, with the Braves drawing with three points late in the set. The Jags would have none of it however as they connected on four straight points to defeat Alcorn 25-20 in a clean sweep. 
The next days’ matchup with Jackson State saw Southern have similar success as they looked to build on their victory against Alcorn. Picking up where they left off, the Jags proceeded to win a closely contested first set against the Tigers with a score of 25-22. 
The second set of the afternoon saw Southern take their first and only loss of the match as JSU edges the Jags 25-23 late in the set. 
The Jags wouldn’t lose another set as they went on to defeat the Tigers in their final two sets with scores of 25-23 and 25-18 respectively. Winning the match 3-1, the Jags continued their successful weekend. 
The biggest test of the weekend for the Jaguars came in the form of Alabama State, who after two sets, didn’t seem prepared for the match. Winning the first two sets 25-12 and 25-21 respectively, Southern was on the brink of sweeping ASU before their would-be comeback attempt began. 
Being out-blocked by ASU 6-5, Southern dropped the next two sets as ASU attempted to comeback from a two set deficit. It wasn’t meant to be however as Southern put their foot back on the gas during the latter parts of the fifth set, pulling away to win the concluding set to a score of 16-14. 
After having success as they opened SWAC play, Southern hopes to keep the energy going as they make their home debut vs Texas Southern on October 6 at Seymour Gym.