Southern University

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Southern University volleyball team put together a strong all-around performance Friday night, sweeping Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-21) at H.O. Clemmons Arena.
 
The Lady Jaguars used a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive effort to secure the Southwestern Athletic Conference victory, improving to 9-17 overall and 5-8 in conference play.
 
Alayah Wilson led the Southern offense with 11 kills on an impressive .526 hitting percentage while adding three service aces and two blocks. Mariah Mott and Alyssa Williams contributed seven kills apiece, while Paulina Agudelo Marin finished with four kills and six blocks, five coming solo.
 
Najah Harris anchored the defensive effort with a match-high 19 digs, while Maleah Faust and Penina Vito combined for 30 assists to direct the Lady Jaguar offense.
 
Southern established early momentum in the opening set, jumping out to a 5-1 advantage behind Wilson and Mott. Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded with a run of its own, eventually taking an 11-8 lead. The Lady Jaguars continued to battle and gradually worked their way back into the set before Reagan Robinson helped spark a late rally. With the score tied at 22, Southern closed out the set with three consecutive points to take the opener 25-22.
 
The second set featured another back-and-forth battle as the two teams traded points early. Arkansas-Pine Bluff built a 9-6 advantage before Southern began chipping away at the deficit. The Lady Jaguars eventually turned the momentum in their favor, using a late offensive surge to break away from a 20-20 tie. Southern scored the final five points, capped by a service ace from Robinson, to take the set 25-20 and move within one set of the sweep.
 
Southern carried that momentum into the third set, overcoming an early deficit before taking control midway through the frame. With the score tied at 8-8, the Lady Jaguars put together a decisive run, using timely kills, blocks and service pressure to build a 16-10 advantage. Arkansas-Pine Bluff attempted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to 24-21, but Williams delivered the match-clinching kill to secure the 25-21 victory and complete the sweep.
 
The Lady Jaguars finished the match with 36 kills, 11 service aces and 12 total team blocks while holding the Golden Lions to a .108 hitting percentage.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Jaguars will travel to Grambling on Sunday for a noon first serve.

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