Jackson State claims first SWAC Title
SWAC.org
The Jackson State Lady Tigers completed a perfect run through the SWAC Volleyball tournament, beating four-time defending champion Alabama A&M. It was the first ever volleyball Championship for JSU (29-9) who claimed the tournament title and the automatic bid to the NCAA Playoffs.
After dropping the opening set 25-21, JSU (29-9) rallied to take the next three 25-17, 25-21, 25-22. In the fourth set,
A&M looked to be on the way to forcing a fifth and deciding set after jumping out to a 6-0 lead. But, with A&M leading 16-10, JSU went on an 11-3 run to take a 21-19 lead. The Lady Tigers never trailed again.
Chyna Coleman led JSU with 22 kills and nine digs. Christine Edwards and LaToya Clark both had double-doubles. Edwards finished with 17 kills and 14 digs while Clark had 55 assists and 16 digs. Donisha Dunn contributed 11 kills and Angelica Kelley joined Daedra Carline with 14 digs each.
Karensa Beckford had a double-double tallying 18 kills and 10 digs. Ashley Forman also had double digits in both assists and digs with 29 and 10 respectively. Clairissa Moore finished with 13 kills while, Audrey Harris had 13 digs and Christa Rogers contributed 10 assists.
Edwards was named tournament MVP. She was joined on the All-Tournament team by Coleman and Clark. Beckford, Moore and Forman also made the All-Tournament team, while Maya Bell from Alabama State, along with Chanda Journet and JaQuincia Williams from Southern to round out the All-Tournament selections.
In the semifinals, Alabama A&M stopped Southern 25-22,30-28,25-18 and Jackson State swept Alabama State 25-22,30-28,25-18.