GRAMBLING, La. - Prairie View A&M head volleyball coach Alicia Pete said her team came out more focused against Grambling State in Thursday night's 3-0 sweep over the Lady Tigers than she had seen them play all year.

The Lady Panthers entered the game determined to remain undefeated in Southwestern Athletic Conference play and took down Grambling State 25-15, 25-18 and 37-35.

Pete said that her players were preparing for and taking midterms prior to loading the bus to Grambling on Thursday, and that sense of urgency and focus transferred to give them an edge against a tough conference opponent.

“We felt like all the hard work they put forth in the classroom paid off on the court,” Pete said. “They seemed to be making smarter and wiser decisions for whatever reason. “

In their second match back from injuries both Maria Moulaz and Christine Ruckman contributed offensively. Ruckman led the team with 10 kills off of 24 attacks, while Moulaz contributed from her role as setter with a game-high 25 assists.

However, what impressed Pete the most was her team's defensive play. Libero Shanice Faison had 20 digs. Meagan Coleman led all players with four blocked attacks and was efficient with zero errors.

“Our defense was what actually won the game,” Pete said. “They hustled after every ball. They dug for just about every ball. They just had a very good defensive game.”

The Lady Panthers improved to 4-0 in SWAC play, and will face Southern in Baton Rouge, La. tonight at 7 p.m.