CLARION, PA --The Fayetteville State volleyball team found their rhythm in the third set against the Red Raiders of Shippensburg (PA) University but could not sustain the following set Saturday at the Tony Banner Memorial Tournament in Clarion, PA, as Shippensburg (PA) posted a four-set (25-27, 22-25, 25-21, 23-25) victory at the W S Tippin Gymnasium.
The non-conference loss moved Fayetteville State to 0-3 on the season.
The Broncos' attack was paced by Xiamana Spikes, who finished with 18 kills on the day while accumulating a hitting percentage of .419, and by Bailey Robinson, who had 10. Defensively, had four players reach double figures in digs, highlighted by Jordan Johnson's 22, 22 from Casandra Watson, and 13 more from Kyra Webb. From the front row, Anjola Thomas contributed seven blocks.
Game Notes
» Fayetteville State had four players in double figures in digs.
» Kyra Webb had a team-high one ace in the loss.
» Fayetteville State never trailed on the way to winning the third set 25-21.
» Xiamana Spikes had a match-high 18 kills for Fayetteville State.
» Fayetteville State got a match-high 22 digs from Jordan Johnson.
» Fayetteville State attackers were helped by a match-high 28 assists from Kyra Webb.
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Broncos dropped a close first set, losing 27-25 in a game that was tied 10 times and had six lead changes.
SET 2 | A 25-22 second-set loss put Fayetteville State in a 2-0 deficit in the match. The Broncos battled back from a 10-point 41-31 hole, but Shippensburg (PA) held on to take the set.
SET 3 | After losing the opening two sets, Fayetteville State rallied to take the third set and make it a 2-1 match. The Broncos took a 1-0 lead and never looked back in the set to secure a 25-21 victory. Fayetteville State opened up as much as a 13 point lead at 41-28 before finishing off the set, totaling 17 kills in the process.
SET 4 | Fayetteville State couldn't keep the momentum and lost in the fourth set 25-23 to drop the match. The Broncos couldn't survive a furious Shippensburg (PA) rally, falling after leading by eight points at 40-32 earlier in the set.
What's Next
Fayetteville State will face the Golden Eagles of Clarion to close the second day of the tournament at 1 pm.
