TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Southern University punched its ticket to the SWAC Volleyball Tournament semifinals with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Jackson State (18–25, 25–21, 17–25, 25–20, 17–15) on Friday afternoon inside the Al Lawson Center.
The Lady Jaguars (15-16) showcased their resiliency, overcoming multiple momentum swings and storming back from a late deficit in the fifth set to keep their championship aspirations alive.
Jackson State (13-14) controlled the opening set from the outset, capitalizing on Southern's early offensive inconsistencies to build a comfortable lead. Despite strong defensive efforts from libero
Najah Harris and timely kills from
Zaria Nelson and
Ariana Brown, the Lady Jaguars were unable to sustain runs and dropped the first frame, 25–18.
Southern quickly recalibrated in the second set, settling into a stronger rhythm fueled by improved serve-receive and pressure from the service line.
Sophie Diouf delivered back-to-back aces to ignite an early surge, while Brown and Nelson grew more assertive at the net. Behind the steady distribution of setter
Jordan Felix, Southern closed the set on a 5–2 push to even the match with a 25–21 win.
The Tigers regained momentum in the third set, using disciplined blocking and well-timed attacks to disrupt Southern's offensive flow. Brown kept the Lady Jaguars within striking distance with six kills in the frame, but a late run by JSU lifted the Tigers to a 25–17 win and a 2–1 match lead.
Facing elimination, the Lady Jaguars delivered their most complete effort of the afternoon in the fourth set. Nelson spearheaded the offense with decisive crosscourt swings, Felix kept the attack balanced with sharp decision-making, and the Southern block—anchored by Nelson, Brown, and Felix—stifled JSU's front line. A mid-set ace from Harris pushed the lead to five, and Southern closed out a 25–20 victory to force a decisive fifth set.
The final set provided all the drama expected of postseason play. Jackson State surged ahead 12–6, appearing poised to clinch the match, but Southern mounted a remarkable comeback. Harris stepped to the service line and delivered consecutive aces during a stunning 6–0 run that tied the set at 12–12. Brown remained unstoppable in the clutch, delivering two critical kills to keep Southern alive—including a momentum-swinging strike to tie the score at 14–14.
After a successful challenge overturned what would have given match point to Southern, Felix found Brown once more on the right pin to even the score. Moments later, Felix again connected with Brown, who hammered home the match-winning kill to complete the 17–15 comeback and send the Lady Jaguars into the semifinals.
Brown led all hitters with 22 kills and seven digs, turning in a commanding postseason performance. Nelson followed with 12 kills, seven digs, five assists, three blocks, and two aces, contributing across every phase of the game. Felix orchestrated the offense with poise, finishing with 31 assists, seven digs, five kills, and six blocks, including two key blocks in the fifth set. Harris anchored the defense with 22 digs and three aces, sparking the match-changing service run in the final frame. As a team, Southern posted 14 blocks and 12 aces, leaning on gritty defense and aggressive serving to secure the win.
UP NEXT
Southern advances to face the winner of No. 3 seed Alabama State and No. 6 seed Texas Southern in Saturday's semifinal round.
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