Hampton, VA--The South Carolina State women's volleyball team opened its 2010 campaign going 1-1 at the Tiny Laster Invitational. The tournament, which is being hosted by Hampton University, concludes tomorrow at Holland Hall on the campus of Hampton University.
In its first match of the day, SC State fell to Towson, 0-3, (19-25, 21-25, 13-25). Senior Jarne Gleaton led the Lady Bulldogs in kills with nine. Sophomore Melissa Robinson led the team defensively with eight digs while junior Bria Brimmer put up 12 assists in the loss. Freshman Desire Waller put down five block-assists in the match.
Katy Buck and Susan Gansor put down nine kills each while Lauren Tonokawa picked up 12 digs in the victory for Towson.
In its second match of the day, SC State rallied from two games down to defeat UMES, 3-2, (26-28, 22-25, 25-17, 25-12, 15-12).
After falling behind 2-0, the Lady Bulldogs won the next two sets to force a set five. In set five the teams rallied back and forth before UMES managed a point lead at 5-7. SC State fought back to take an 8-7 lead on the changeover.
The teams once again exchanged rallies over the next four points before SC State put up three straight points to take set five, 15-12 and the match 3-2.
The Lady Bulldogs had three players to record double-digit kills in the match led by Waller with 18. Sophomore Shabree Roberson contributed 14 and E. Paige Webb contributed 13 kills in the win. Defensively, SC State had three players to pick up double-digit digs as Robinson picked up 14 and Gleaton and Brimmer each had 10. Waller was equally effective on defensive with seven block assists.
For the match, Maline Vaitai and Zoe Bowens put down 17 and 14 kills respectively for UMES. Defensively, Vaitai, Stephanie Sierra and Jingqiao each recorded double-digit digs with 14, 12, and 11 respectively.
SC State concludes the tournament beginning at 9 a.m. when they face Bryant and closing out the match versus intra-state foe Wofford at 3 p.m.
--30--
