PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Facing an early challenge against Florida A&M, the Prairie View A&M volleyball team showed its resilience, battled back from an opening-set setback and delivered three consecutive set victories to claim an exciting 3-1 (22-25, 28-26, 25-17, 25-22) SWAC victory over the Rattlers Sunday afternoon inside the William J. Nicks Building (Baby Dome).
The Lady Panthers turned up the intensity after dropping the opening set, using a dramatic second-set comeback to shift the momentum before taking control of the match. Prairie View A&M's victory improved its overall record to 11-16 while moving to 11-3 in SWAC play.
Camille Middleton was unstoppable at the net, delivering a match-high 21 kills while adding 11 digs to record a double-double. Middleton also served up three aces to lead the Lady Panthers in that category. Iyonna Sherwood provided another offensive spark with 11 kills, while Tayler Ruffin orchestrated the attack with a match-high 33 assists.
Defensively, the Lady Panthers made their presence felt throughout the afternoon. Lucy Dieterlen anchored the back row with a match-high 22 digs, while Daniella Udegbunam controlled the net with a match-high eight blocks. Prairie View A&M's front line combined for 16 total blocks, consistently disrupting Florida A&M's offensive rhythm.
SECOND-SET THRILLER TURNS THE TIDE
Florida A&M struck first, taking the opening set 25-22 in a tightly contested battle that featured 11 ties and four lead changes. Neither team managed to establish more than a three-point advantage as the Rattlers edged out the early lead.
Rather than let the opening setback define the afternoon, the Lady Panthers responded with determination in the second set. Prairie View A&M's offense found its rhythm, producing 17 kills while the front row delivered seven blocks to keep the Rattlers under pressure.
With the match hanging in the balance, the Lady Panthers dug deep and delivered when it mattered most, pulling out a thrilling 28-26 victory to even the match at one set apiece. The hard-fought win sparked a momentum shift that carried Prairie View A&M through the remainder of the afternoon.
LADY PANTHERS TAKE CONTROL
Fueled by the second-set victory, Prairie View A&M came out firing in the third. The Lady Panthers put together their most efficient offensive performance of the match, recording 13 kills and a .364 hitting percentage to cruise to a 25-17 win. The aggressive attack and disciplined defense allowed Prairie View A&M to create separation and take a 2-1 advantage.
With one more set standing between the Lady Panthers and victory, the fourth set delivered another competitive showdown. The teams traded points throughout a stanza featuring 11 ties and five lead changes, with neither side willing to surrender an inch.
The Rattlers continued to challenge, but Prairie View A&M remained composed down the stretch. With the score tied at 22, the Lady Panthers found another gear, taking the lead for good at 23-22 before closing out the set 25-22 to complete the comeback and secure the four-set victory.
After dropping the first set, Prairie View A&M responded with the poise, offensive firepower and defensive toughness needed to win three straight sets and protect its home court.
The Lady Panthers will look to carry that momentum into their next match up as they continue their push through SWAC play.
