HOUSTON – The Southern University volleyball team fought to the finish but came up short in a five-set thriller against Texas Southern on Monday night inside the Health & Physical Education Arena. The Tigers held off the Jaguars 3–2 (23–25, 22–25, 25–19, 25–18, 15–7) in Southwestern Athletic Conference action.
 
Southern (11–15, 6–6 SWAC) came out firing, taking the first two sets behind efficient attacking and steady play at the service line. Ariana Brown and Jordan Felix led the early charge, combining for clutch kills and strong court leadership to push the Jaguars to a 2–0 lead.
 
Texas Southern (9–17, 8–5 SWAC) found its footing in the third set and used that momentum to even the match. Despite several key defensive efforts from libero Najah Harris and steady contributions from Bailee St. Romain and Zaria Nelson, the Jaguars couldn't hold off the surging Tigers late.
 
Brown once again led the way for Southern, recording a team-high 21 kills and 12 digs for her second consecutive double-double. St. Romain added eight kills, while Nelson tallied seven. Felix orchestrated the offense with 31 assists—her fourth straight match surpassing 30 assists—along with eight digs and three blocks. Harris anchored the defense with a match-high 25 digs.
 
In the decisive fifth set, Texas Southern stormed out to an 8–1 lead and never relinquished control. Southern attempted to rally behind Brown and Nelson, but the Tigers closed out the match with a 15–7 final frame.
 
UP NEXT
Southern returns home to Seymour Gymnasium on Sunday November 9 when Arkansas-Pine Bluff comes to Baton Rouge for middle school night. First serve is set for 3 p.m.

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