MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee State battled through two tough matches Friday at the Tiger Brawl, showing stretches of dominance and resiliency despite falling in both contests. The Tigers pushed Northwestern State to five sets before dropping a 3-2 decision (25-12, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-10) and later faced South Carolina Upstate, falling 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-23).

With the results, TSU dropped to 0-3 on the season but continued to showcase growth and strong individual performances across the lineup.

Against Northwestern State, Tennessee State opened the match on fire, storming to a 25-12 first-set win behind a balanced attack and four service aces. After the Demons rallied to take the next two sets, the Tigers fought back in the fourth, breaking a 14-14 tie to close on an 11-5 run and win 25-19 to force a deciding set. Northwestern State pulled away late in the fifth to seal the match.

Carsyn Stansberry led TSU with a double-double, registering 13 kills, 18 digs and two service aces. Maygan Miller-Garcia added 10 kills, while setter Sagaia Reilly directed the offense with 30 assists. Defensively, Sydni Poston posted 16 digs and Gabriella Blevins added a pair of blocks. Four Tigers reached double figures in digs, underscoring the team's defensive effort.

In the second match of the day, the Tigers could not overcome South Carolina Upstate's balanced attack. After dropping the first two sets 25-11 and 25-18, TSU responded in the third with its best offensive performance of the season. The Tigers hit .324 in the frame with 16 kills and rallied to within two points late before falling 25-23.

I'Onna Jones paced the offense with nine kills, while Poston again led the back row with nine digs. Reilly added 15 assists and Stansberry served the team's lone ace.

The Tigers will continue nonconference play Saturday as they look to build on the positives from Friday's matches.