Southern University

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Southern University volleyball team battled Florida A&M on Monday afternoon but fell to the Rattlers in straight sets, 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-22), at the Lawson Multipurpose Center.
 
The Lady Jaguars (7-15, 3-6 SWAC) showed improvement as the match progressed, doubling their hitting percentage from the first set to the third. Sereniti Johnson led Southern offensively with seven kills, while Mariah Mott added five kills. Najah Harris paced the defensive effort with 10 digs, and Maleah Faust and Penina Vito combined for 24 assists.
 
Florida A&M (14-9, 9-1 SWAC) opened the match with a strong offensive performance, recording 12 kills in the first set to take a 25-18 victory. Southern kept the opening frame competitive, with Reagan Robinson and Johnson contributing key kills as the Lady Jaguars worked to stay within reach. However, the Rattlers closed the set on a run to take the early advantage.
 
The Rattlers carried that momentum into the second set, jumping out to an early lead and maintaining control throughout the frame. Southern recorded nine kills in the set but struggled to slow Florida A&M's attack, as the Rattlers posted 17 kills and hit .406 to secure a 25-16 win and move within a set of the match.
 
Facing a sweep, the Lady Jaguars delivered their strongest offensive showing in the third set. Southern recorded 12 kills and hit .206, its best mark of the afternoon. Vito contributed two service aces, while Johnson and Robinson helped generate offense as the Lady Jaguars continued to challenge the Rattlers. Southern stayed within striking distance late, trimming the deficit to two points at 24-22, but Florida A&M closed out the match with a 25-22 decision.
 
Johnson finished with seven kills, six digs and two blocks, while Robinson added four kills, two service aces and six digs. Mott contributed five kills and three digs, and Paulina Agudelo Marin recorded four kills and a block. Harris anchored the back row with a match-high 10 digs.
 
UP NEXT
Southern will be back on the road to take on Alcorn on Wednesday, October 28 at the Davey Whitney Complex for a 6 p.m. first serve.

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