NATCHITOCHES, La. — Jackson State University’s volleyball team pushed hard but fell short against Northwestern State on Tuesday night at Prather Coliseum. The Tigers lost the opening two sets before bouncing back in the third and making a late rally in the fourth.
Jackson State dropped the first two sets 25-22 and 25-17. The team responded with a 25-19 victory in the third, fueled by a 10-2 run early in the set. The Tigers stayed competitive in the fourth, trailing 23-19 before cutting the deficit to 24-23 late in the match. Northwestern State ultimately secured the 25-23 win to close out the match.
Jackson State finished with 44 kills and a .207 hitting percentage, committing just 15 attacking errors on 140 attempts. The team also recorded nine blocks and 63 digs. Hope Briggs led the Tigers with 12 kills and four blocks, totaling 14 points. Sophia McKenzie added 11 kills and eight digs, while Shelby Zanders contributed four kills, five blocks, and an ace. Giannelle Asomani led defensively with 21 digs, and Ryleigh Davis posted five kills, 14 assists, and five blocks.
Jackson State’s third-set surge was highlighted by a strong start, opening with a 10-2 run. McKenzie sealed the set victory with a service ace. In the final set, the Tigers mounted a comeback effort, but Northwestern State held on to win. Jackson State’s final rally included kills from McKenzie and Parker Featherstone, along with an error by the Demons.
The team will resume play at the Southern Miss Invitational this weekend, facing Houston Christian at 1 p.m. Friday. Jackson State aims to improve its record to 4-4 ahead of upcoming matches.
