PRAIRIE VIEW, TX -- The Prairie View A&M University varsity volleyball team displayed a stellar performance on Tuesday, September 25, clinching a decisive 3-0 win against the Texas Southern Tigers at the Baby Dome. This league game victory marked an important moment for Prairie View A&M, improving their season record to 4-11 and 1-0 in the SWAC conference.
In a closely contested first set, Prairie View edged out Texas Southern with a 26-24 score, setting the tone for the evening. The team carried the momentum forward, winning the subsequent sets 25-19 and 25-18, respectively, leaving no doubt about their dominance on the court. Key players such as Kylee Owens, Leila Smalls, and Janyah Henderson played pivotal roles, with Owens notably excelling with both kills and blocks.
The defensive effort was bolstered by Kiersten Atkinson and Janyah Henderson, who were instrumental at the net with significant blocks. Additionally, Jaqueline Nino, Leah Lawson, and Kylee Owens contributed valuable digs, keeping the team in a leading position throughout the match. Prairie View's offensive game play was further enhanced by service aces from MaKinzie Taplin, Jaqueline Nino, and Leah Lawson, demonstrating a well-rounded team performance.
A highlight of the match was Janyah Henderson's back-to-back service aces in the third set, a crucial maneuver that helped seal the victory for Prairie View A&M. "Janyah had a fantastic night, especially with those consecutive aces that gave us the edge in the final set," mentioned an attendee at the game.
Looking forward, Prairie View A&M is set to continue their campaign at home on September 29, as they face Southern in another compelling encounter at the Baby Dome. Fans and supporters of the team will surely be anticipating another strong performance as they aim to build on their current SWAC standing.
Kylee Owens finished with 10 kills on the day to lead the Lady Panthers offense. got 13 digs from Jaqueline Nino along with five blocks from Kiersten Atkinson to lead them defensively.
Game Notes
» Owens had a match-high three aces in the win.
» Prairie View A&M never trailed on the way to winning the second set 25-19.
» Owens had a match-high 10 kills for Prairie View A&M.
» Prairie View A&M got a team-high 13 digs from Nino.
» Prairie View A&M attackers were helped by a team-high 13 assists from Taplin.
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Lady Panthers survived a back-and-forth first set to win 26-24 in a stanza that featured four lead changes and was tied 15 times. Neither team led by more than three points in the match.
SET 2 | After their win in the first set, Prairie View A&M put themselves on the cusp of a sweep with a 25-19 victory in set number two. The Lady Panthers led from the opening point on in the set to earn the victory. Prairie View A&M opened up as much as an eight point lead at 11-3 before finishing off the set. The Prairie View A&M offense also got a boost from four aces in the stanza.
SET 3 | Prairie View A&M took set three to finish the match in a 3-0 sweep. The Lady Panthers took the set 25-18. Prairie View A&M took the lead for good at 18-17 in a set that featured 14 ties and six lead changes. The Prairie View A&M offense also got a boost from three aces in the stanza. Prairie View A&M's front row had a solid defensive performance, blocking four Texas Southern attacks in the stanza.
