PRAIRIE VIEW, TX --In an impressive display of skill and determination, Prairie View A&M clinched a significant victory against the Grambling State Tigers Sunday, inside the William J. Nicks Building. The Panthers won the game with a final score of 3-1, showcasing strong performances across the board and marking a memorable senior night that also celebrated Coach Cheri Lindsay's 100th carrer win as a head coach. The victory improved the Lady Panthers' record to 16-15 overall and 13-3 in SWAC play.

The match started off with a challenge as the Panthers narrowly lost the first set 26-28 to the Tigers. However, they quickly regrouped and dominated the subsequent sets, winning 25-8, 25-17, and a close 25-23 in the final set. Throughout the game, key players made substantial contributions. D'Mya Hill led with a remarkable 18 kills, followed closely by Kylee Owens with 17. In the blocks department, Kiersten Atkinson was a formidable presence at the net with 9 blocks, significantly influencing the game's dynamics.

Not only were the kills and blocks outstanding, but the Panthers also excelled in defense and serving. Leila Smalls achieved a high of 23 digs, supported by Owens and Hill, who also showed their defensive prowess. All-round contributions came from players like Kylee Owens, Leah Lawson, and Tayler Ruffin, each with crucial aces and assists that propelled the team to victory.

Game Notes

» D'Mya Hill and Kylee Owens both notched double-doubles in the win.
» Prairie View A&M had three players in double figures in kills.
» Prairie View A&M had four players in double figures in digs.
» Kiersten Atkinson was efficient in attacking situations in the match, accumulating 10 kills while hitting .714.
» Tayler Ruffin had a team-high one ace in the win.
» Kiersten Atkinson had a match-high nine blocks.
» Prairie View A&M put together a strong attacking performance, notching 66 kills in the match.
» Prairie View A&M never trailed on the way to winning the second set 25-8.
» D'Mya Hill had a match-high 18 kills for Prairie View A&M.
» Prairie View A&M got a match-high 23 digs from Leila Smalls.
» Prairie View A&M attackers were helped by a match-high 29 assists from Tayler Ruffin.

How It Happened

SET 1 | The Lady Panthers fell in a tight first set, losing 28-26 in a game that was tied eight times and had three lead changes.

SET 2 | Prairie View A&M responded to pick up a 25-8 victory in set two, evening the match at one set apiece. The Lady Panthers led from the first point on in the set to secure the victory. Prairie View A&M opened its biggest lead of the stanza, 17 points, to close out the set, totaling 16 kills while only registering two attack errors in the set. The Lady Panthers hit .438 over the course of the set.

SET 3 | Prairie View A&M built on that second-set success with a victory in set number three to open up a lead at two sets to one. The Lady Panthers won the set 25-17 powered by a solid performance on the attacking end. Prairie View A&M put together a .541 attack percentage with 22 kills in the set win. The Lady Panthers ended on a strong note, stretching their lead to its largest point in the set to finish out the stanza.

SET 4 | Prairie View A&M closed out the match with a 25-23 fourth-set victory, winning their third set in a row. The Lady Panthers persevered past a ferocious Grambling rally, holding on to win after leading by seven points at 17-10 earlier in the set.
 

This victory not only marked a win in the columns but was also a special event as it was the final home and regular season game. It doubled as the senior night, adding an emotional weight to the victory. Coach Cheri Lindsay expressed immense pride in her team's performance, emphasizing the skill and spirit showed by the players, especially the seniors, on this significant night.

Looking ahead, the Panthers are set to face their next challenge at the SWAC Volleyball Tournament on November 22, 2024, in Grambling, Louisiana. With a current record of 16-15, and an impressive 13-3 in the SWAC, the Panthers are gearing up to continue their strong performance into the postseason.

Follow the women's volleyball team for the latest news and information on the Prairie View A&M athletics web page at pvpanthers.com, as well as on Twitter and Instagram sports account (@pvamupanthers) and Facebook (Prairie View A&M Panther Athletic).

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