HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Jackson State volleyball faced Lamar and Southern Miss in a doubleheader Saturday at the Southern Miss Wellness Center. The Tigers lost in straight sets in both matches, moving to 4-6 on the season, according to team sources.
In the opener against Lamar, Jackson State fell 25-15, 25-23, and 25-21. The Tigers recorded 27 kills, 51 digs, and six blocks. Shelby Zanders led the offense with eight kills on 17 attempts and a .412 hitting percentage. Hope Briggs added eight kills and five digs. Naija Gadis and Kayla Troutman each dished out 10 assists, with Gadis also contributing 12 digs. Giannelle Asomani finished with eight digs, four assists, and one service ace.
The second set was Jackson State’s strongest, building a 19-12 lead before Lamar rallied to win 25-23. The Tigers fought back from a 4-0 deficit in the third set but ultimately lost 25-20 after Lamar closed on an 8-1 run.
Later Saturday, Jackson State challenged Southern Miss but fell 25-23, 25-19, and 25-20. The Tigers made an impact at the net with 11 blocks and 22 block assists. Zanders led with six kills and four blocks, hitting .313. Sophia McKenzie added five kills, while Jayla David and Parker Featherstone chipped in four each. Featherstone led the team with 12 digs, and Asomani added eight digs and five assists.
The Tigers’ best chance came in the first set, trailing 23-18 before rallying to 24-23. However, Southern Miss secured the final point. Jackson State also pushed in the second and third sets, with notable defensive efforts, including six blocks in the third set. Despite their efforts, the Tigers lost all three matches.
Jackson State recorded a total of 54 kills, 94 digs, and 17 blocks across the two matches. The team will next compete in the Ragin’ Cajun Classic in Lafayette, Louisiana, with matches against UT Arlington and Mississippi State scheduled for Friday.
