MONTGOMERY, AL --  In a fiercely contested volleyball event held on September 5, 2024, Prairie View A&M University faced a challenging match against the University of Alabama, ultimately falling 0-3 in Montgomery, AL. Despite the loss, the sets were closely contested with scores pushing close to the limit in each set, reflecting a resilient effort from Prairie View.

The first set saw Prairie View make a strong stand but fall short at 18-25. However, each subsequent set showed marked improvement in performance and strategy. The second and third sets ended with narrower margins at 21-25 and 24-25, respectively, echoing the coach's sentiment about the team's potential.

Top performances came from Prairie View's standout players. Kylee Owens, Janyah Henderson, and D'Mya Hill made significant contributions with their attacking skills. The defense was spearheaded by Kylee Owens and Kierston Atkinson, along with Janyah Henderson, who were notable for their blocking skills. Additionally, Leah Lawson, MaKinzie Taplin, and Leila Smalls played crucial roles in setting up plays.

"This match shows that we are right where we want to be, but we just have to finish," Head PVAM Volleyball Coach Cheri Lindsay said. "Playing the way we did against a school like Alabama shows that we can compete we just have to get it done. I am glad that we are in attendance at this tournament. This is a historic moment as there are power schools and HBCUs playing against each other that all have black women as the head coaches."

Looking ahead, Prairie View is set to face Arizona on September 6, 2024, in Montgomery. This quick turnaround gives the team a chance to bounce back and use their experience from the Alabama match to strategize against upcoming opponents. With a current record of 0-5, Prairie View is determined to leverage its strong showing in tight sets toward securing a win soon.

Game Notes

» Kylee Owens had a team-high two aces in the loss.
» Owens had a team-high nine kills for Prairie View A&M.
» Prairie View A&M got a team-high 12 digs from Leila Smalls.
» Prairie View A&M attackers were helped by a match-high 18 assists from Leah Lawson.

How It Happened

SET 1 | The Lady Panthers found themselves in an early deficit, dropping a tough first set 25-18. Prairie View A&M trailed by as many as 10 points as Alabama grabbed the advantage for good at 4-3 in a set that was tied up three times before the Crimson Tide took control.

SET 2 | Prairie View A&M dropped the second set 25-21, digging a 2-0 hole in the match. The Lady Panthers trailed by as many as eight points as Alabama grabbed the advantage for good at 5-4 in a set that was knotted up four times before the Crimson Tide took over the lead.

SET 3 | Prairie View A&M was not able to win set three and was swept by Alabama. The Lady Panthers dropped a tight set, losing 26-24 in a stanza that was tied seven times and had three lead changes.