NASHVILLE - Tennessee State volleyball closed out its weekend series with Southeast Missouri State on Saturday inside Kean Hall, showing grit and defensive fight throughout before the Redhawks claimed a 3-0 decision (25-16, 25-14, 25-13).
The Tigers (1-26, 0-14 OVC) kept pressure on the Redhawks early with balanced play from both the front and back rows. Senior Maygan Miller-Garcia led the way offensively with eight kills, one ace, and a block assist for a team-high nine points, while freshman Erini Bitsaktsi anchored the back line once again with 10 digs. Setter Sagaia Reilly directed the offense with a match-high 19 assists and added five digs.
Freshman Aliyah Harris added four kills and two digs, while Mikayla Moore and I'Onna Jones each chipped in multiple points from the middle.
How It Happened
Set 1 (16-25) – The Tigers traded points early behind back-to-back kills from Miller-Garcia and Harris, keeping the score tight through the opening rallies. Bitsaktsi's serve receive steadied TSU's defense as Reilly connected with her hitters in rhythm, but a late Redhawk run closed out the set.
Set 2 (14-25) – TSU opened the second frame with energy, highlighted by a Reilly ace and a Miller-Garcia kill that tied the set 3-3. Moore and Jones provided a spark in the middle, combining for three kills, while Bitsaktsi's diving saves kept rallies alive before SEMO's attack found momentum late.
Set 3 (13-25) – Miller-Garcia and Harris continued to swing aggressively, each recording early kills as TSU fought to extend the match. Despite the Redhawks' efficiency down the stretch, the Tigers' defensive hustle and communication on the back line showed marked improvement through the final points.
By the Numbers
Tennessee State will now turn its focus to its final stretch of OVC play, continuing to build momentum and experience behind its balanced mix of veterans and rising freshmen.
