Jackson, Miss.| The Jackson State volleyball team continued its hot streak in SWAC play, rallying after a slow start to defeat Southern University 3–1 (18–25, 25–15, 25–23, 25–15) on Monday evening at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.
The victory marked the Tigers' eighth consecutive SWAC win, improving to 10–11 overall and 9–2 in league play.
Inside the Numbers
After dropping the opening set, Jackson State found its rhythm behind Jayden James, who led all players with 21 kills on .325 hitting along with four digs and a block.
Setters Naija Gadis (23 assists, 4 digs, 1 ace) and Karys Dove (15 assists, 4 aces) controlled the tempo, while Shelby Zanders and Katejion Robinson each tallied seven kills to balance the offense.
Defensively, Kamiera Watkins and Cierra Gilbert combined for six total blocks, while Kyra Dove added four kills and two blocks. Kymorah Carter and Maya Reeves chipped in six digs apiece, and Reeves added a critical service ace late in the match.
JSU finished with 44 kills, nine aces, and 11 total blocks, hitting .245 as a team while holding Southern to .151.
How It Happened
- Jackson State's offense struggled early, committing seven errors while Southern helped itself to a 12–6 lead to open the match.
- Kills from Jayden James and Katejion Robinson narrowed the gap to 19–15, but Southern closed on a 6–3 run to take the opener 25–18.
- Jackson State regrouped quickly, dominating the second set with strong serving and balanced offense.
- James notched six kills, and Karys Dove's two aces fueled an early 10–3 run.
- Kamiera Watkins contributed a pair of solo blocks and two service aces as JSU surged ahead 18–9.
- Carter's ace and Dove's kill sealed the frame, 25–15, to even the match.
- The third set was the tightest of the night, featuring seven ties and multiple lead changes.
- Down 20–18, JSU rallied behind Zanders and James, who combined for four late kills.
- Reeves' steady serving helped the Tigers close on a 7–3 run, capped by a James kill to take the set 25–23.
- Jackson State dominated the final frame, hitting .409 while limiting Southern to just nine kills and eight errors.
- James opened the set with three quick kills, and Reeves added an ace to spark an 8–1 run.
- Zanders and Watkins took over at the net with back-to-back blocks to extend the lead to double digits.
- James's final kill, assisted by Gadis, closed out the match 25–15, sealing the Tigers' eighth straight win.
Up Next
The Tigers will travel to Itta Bena on Monday evening to take on Mississippi Valley State. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
Follow Jackson State Athletics
For complete coverage of Jackson State athletics, follow the Tigers on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter), Jackson State Tigers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Jackson State athletics at GoJSUTigers.com.
