NEW ORLEANS, La.—The Jackson State volleyball team battled Bethune-Cookman and Morgan State to five-set thrillers in the opening day of the 2018 New Orleans Invitational.

In match one Friday morning, BCU defeated JSU 25-14, 21-25, 24-26, 26-24, 15-12.

Tielar Richards led the team with 20 kills and a .375 hitting percentage. Camry Dabney helped with 17 kills and seven digs.

Sapphire Simpson recorded a team-high 34 assists, while Priscilla Sanchez added 23 assists.

In the second set, which JSU won 25-21, the Lady Tigers recorded an impressive .444 attacking percentage, which was the highest for either team.

In the second match of the day, MSU edged JSU 25-14, 25-23, 21-25, 22-25, 17-15.

Dabney finished with a match-high 19 kills added 10 digs.

Richards added 17 kills to go with a .220 attacking percentage. Simpson contributed 27 assists and 21 digs. Tyler Moorer helped with 18 digs.

In the third set, which JSU won 25-21, the Lady Tigers finished with a .342 attacking percentage.

JSU closes out the invitational Saturday at noon versus host New Orleans.