Prairie View, Texas| The Jackson State volleyball team showed grit and determination in a five-set battle Sunday afternoon, pushing Prairie View A&M to the brink before falling 3–2 (17–25, 29–27, 25–23, 17–25, 10–15) inside the Baby Dome.

Despite the result, Jackson State (3–10, 2–1 SWAC) displayed strong offensive balance and defensive toughness throughout the match, taking two sets off a previously unbeaten Prairie View squad and outpacing the Panthers in total kills (64–65) while matching their block total at 10.

JSU's attack was led by Jayden James, who delivered another all-around standout performance with 21 kills, 12 digs, and a block to lead all scorers with 22 points. Hope Briggs added 17 kills and six block assists, while Kyra Dove hit .333 with seven kills, and Cierra Gilbert provided six kills, four total blocks, and a service ace.

Setters Karys Dove and Naija Gadis kept the offense balanced, distributing efficiently across the front line. Defensively, Kymorah Carter anchored the backcourt with 21 digs, and the front row tallied 10 team blocks against a potent Prairie View offense.

JSU hit .186 as a team on 64 kills, while holding Prairie View to extended rallies and long stretches of defensive play.
 
How It Happened

• The Tigers found their rhythm late in the opening set after a slow start, as James and Briggs each tallied early kills.
• A pair of blocks by Gilbert and Dove closed the gap midway through, but Prairie View used a late service run to take the opener.
• Jackson State roared back in one of its most competitive sets of the season.
• The Tigers and Panthers traded points 15 times, but JSU's composure under pressure proved the difference.
• Clutch kills from Briggs and James, combined with a perfectly timed block by Gilbert, sealed the 29–27 win to even the match at one a piece.
• Building off their momentum, the Tigers took control early in set three behind Dove's steady setting and Carter's defensive coverage.
• James and Briggs combined for 10 kills in the frame, and Gilbert's block on set point capped a 25–23 win, putting JSU ahead 2–1.
• Prairie View responded with one of its best offensive stretches of the afternoon in set four, hitting .429 in the frame.
• Despite the setback, JSU continued to battle, with James recording five kills and Carter making several key digs to keep rallies alive.
• The deciding set saw JSU jump out to an early 5–3 lead behind back-to-back kills from Briggs and James.
• However, Prairie View capitalized on a late service run to edge ahead and close out the match.

• Jayden James notched 21 kills, 12 digs, and one block.
• Hope Briggs finished with 17 kills and six block assists.
• Kyra Dove added seven kills.
• Cierra Gilbert had four kills, four blocks, and an ace.
• Karys Dove recorded 22 assists and five digs.
• Naija Gadis registered another 20 assists and six digs.
• Kymorah Carter finished with 21 digs.

Up Next
 
The Tigers will face Texas Southern on the road on Monday evening. 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.