Jackson State Volleyball Edges Houston Christian in Five Sets at USM Tournament
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Jackson State volleyball defeated Houston Christian in five sets Friday afternoon at the Southern Miss Wellness Center. The Tigers improved to 4-4 this season with the 3-2 victory, winning set scores of 25-19, 21-25, 25-10, 24-26 and 15-13, according to team officials.
Jackson State held Houston Christian to 48 kills and an .089 attack percentage while recording 58 kills and a .199 hitting percentage. The Tigers also contributed six service aces, 66 digs and seven total blocks during the match. Jackson State established momentum early, winning the first set 25-19 with 13 kills and a .270 hitting percentage, closing with a run that included three of the final four points.
Houston Christian responded, winning the second set 25-21. Jackson State then dominated the third set, 25-10, hitting .400 with 15 kills and just three attack errors. A key stretch saw the Tigers turn a 7-5 lead into a 13-5 advantage, with Shelby Zanders tallying multiple kills during the run.
The Lady Tigers faced a challenge in the fourth set, which Houston Christian took 26-24 despite Jackson State reaching match point at 24-21. In the decisive fifth set, Jackson State overcame a 10-10 tie by winning three of four points to go ahead 13-11. Houston Christian pulled within one twice, but Hope Briggs delivered a critical kill to secure match point at 14-12. A service error by Houston Christian ended the match at 15-13.
Briggs led Jackson State with 15 kills on .333 hitting, along with four blocks and 17.5 points. Zanders contributed 11 kills on 19 attempts with a .526 hitting percentage and five blocks. Ryleigh Davis added eight kills, while Sophia McKenzie finished with nine kills and 11 digs. Parker Featherstone chipped in five kills, three aces and 11 digs. Jackson State’s setters, Kayla Troutman and Naija Gadis, combined for 46 assists, helping keep the offense balanced. Giannelle Asomani led the defense with 17 digs.
The Tigers will conclude their weekend with matches against Lamar and Southern Miss, with first serve scheduled for 2:30 p.m. For more coverage, follow Jackson State athletics on social media or visit GoJSUTigers.com.
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