MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Jackson State volleyball delivered a strong offensive performance highlighted by an impressive outing from Kyra Dove, but the Tigers fell to Alabama State in four sets (24-26, 22-25, 25-14, 23-25) on Sunday afternoon at Lockhart Gymnasium.
With the result, Jackson State moved to 9-13 overall and 5-4 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play.
Dove led the Tigers offensively, finishing with a team-high 13 kills on 18 attempts without committing an attack error for an outstanding .722 hitting percentage. She also contributed five total blocks, including one solo rejection, to finish with a team-leading 16 points.
Hope Briggs added 11 kills and three block assists, while Ryleigh Davis provided an all-around performance with eight kills, eight assists, 10 digs and two block assists. Jada Constanza contributed seven kills and 10 digs, while Shelby Zanders finished with five kills and four total blocks.
Jackson State battled throughout the opening set but narrowly dropped the frame, 26-24. The Tigers recorded 13 kills and hit .206 in the opening period, setting the tone for a competitive afternoon.
The second set saw Jackson State continue to challenge the Hornets, using its defensive presence at the net to remain within striking distance. Despite the Tigers' efforts, Alabama State held on for a 25-22 victory to take a two-set advantage.
Facing a 2-0 deficit, Jackson State responded with its most dominant performance of the afternoon in the third set. The Tigers erupted for 16 kills while committing just four attack errors, producing a match-high .387 hitting percentage. Jackson State's offensive efficiency and defensive pressure limited Alabama State to a .083 hitting percentage as the Tigers cruised to a commanding 25-14 victory.
The Tigers carried that momentum into the fourth set, battling the Hornets in another tightly contested frame. Jackson State continued to find success through Dove and Briggs, while the defensive unit worked to keep the Tigers within reach. Despite a determined effort, Alabama State escaped with a 25-23 victory to secure the match.
Defensively, Giannelle Asomani anchored Jackson State with a team-high 17 digs, while Davis and Constanza each added 10. Naija Gadis distributed a team-high 19 assists to go along with nine digs, while Kayla Troutman chipped in 12 assists.
As a team, Jackson State finished with 48 kills, 45 assists, 76 digs and 10 total blocks. The Tigers also held the advantage in hitting percentage, finishing at .205 compared to Alabama State's .130.
Despite the setback, Jackson State showcased its offensive potential and defensive resilience, particularly during its dominant third-set performance, as the Tigers continue their SWAC campaign.
Inside the Numbers
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Kyra Dove led Jackson State with 13 kills and a remarkable .722 hitting percentage.
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Hope Briggs finished with 11 kills and three block assists.
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Giannelle Asomani recorded a team-high 17 digs.
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Naija Gadis paced the Tigers with 19 assists.
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Jackson State totaled 10 team blocks, compared to Alabama State's six.
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The Tigers recorded their highest hitting percentage of the match in the third set.
- Jackson State collected 76 digs, three more than Alabama State.
- Four Tigers recorded at least seven kills: Dove (13), Briggs (11), Davis (8) and Constanza (7).
Up Next
This Tigers will return to the AAC to host Grambling State on October 30. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
