2 better than 1: GSU, UAPB no match for red hot Jaguars

The Southern University Women’s volleyball (8-12, 8-4 SWAC) competed in a double home header this weekend against Grambling State University (5-13, 3-9 SWAC) and The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-16, 5-8) These two teams were no match for the Lady Jaguars. Southern downed the Lady Tigers 3-0 on Friday, October 28th, then slide past the Lions 3-1 on Saturday, October 29th.
The first set was dominated by Southern. After Grambling managed to grab an 18-17 lead, Southern returned with eight uncontested points and went on to win the set 25-18. The Jaguars took control in the second set after a 13-3 run left Grambling State scrounging for points. SU won the next set 25-11. GSU gained momentum in the third set after an 8-7 lead. Southern answered with a 7-1 run that allowed them to hence the Tiger’s growl for good. The Jags grabbed a 25-19 win and a 3-0 Victory over Grambling State University.
Freshman Middle Blocker Arabella Hall delivered 10 kills and three blocks during the match. Senior Outside Hitter Melodie Malone handed out an additional nine kills, six digs and two blocks for Southern. Kevreion Ward, a sophomore right side hitter, rallied for Grambling finishing the game with seven kills and five digs.
Southern University faced the Lions of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sunday October 29th. The first set went point for point until Southern took control with a 6-1 run to break a 17-17 tie. The lions attempted to make a return late in the match but ultimately failed. Southern finished victoriously in the first set 25-21. The second set was no challenge for the Lady Jaguars as they went on to win 25-12. UAPB made a comeback during the third set. Southern had three different chances to reach the set point during a 24-21 lead. Junior Outside hitter Lauren Corby seldom managed to hold off five straight set points that allowed the Lady Lions to win the third set 26-24. UAPB got off to an early 10-7 lead against the Lady Jaguars, before a 10-4 run allowed them to ultimately win the set 25-21.
Southern University’s Sophomore Setter Vaterria Calais ended the night with a double-double (24 assists & 13 digs). Three SU players posted double digit kills. Shelby Jolly (13), Paige Hall (10), and Melodie Malone (10) combined for over 30 kills. Malone also added an added 17 kills to the Jaguars Victory.
“We played as a team. We knew we had to handle business and we did,” explained Diamond Williams who finished the weekend with over 20 digs.
Some mentionable players for UAPB include Lauren Corby who ended the game with 19 digs, and six kills. Britney Sahlmann handed out 29 assists and 15 digs for the lions while Kendalle Howard added 13 kills.
The lady Jaguars will take on Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday November 5th at 6:30 pm.