NASHVILLE – Early roster adjustments presented challenges for the Tennessee State volleyball team as the Tigers opened the 2025 campaign with three hard-fought matches against Northwestern State, USC Upstate and Memphis. TSU will look to regroup quickly as it heads into the Belmont Invitational this weekend.

Head coach Donika Sutton credited her team's resilience during the opening stretch but emphasized the importance of turning lessons learned into progress ahead of another in-state test.

"I'm pleased with the way our group competed, but today is about building and moving forward," Sutton said. "The team came into meetings and practice with the right approach, and I'm excited to see us take another step this weekend."

The Tigers flashed potential in Memphis, led by standout play from newcomers Maygan Miller-Garcia and Sagaia Reilly, along with steady leadership from veterans such as libero Sydni Poston and outside hitter Melay Lacy.

"Our standard remains the same," Sutton said. "We're chasing progress every day — individually, by position and collectively as a team. The way we prepare this week will determine how we raise our level on the court."

Tennessee State is set to face Belmont, North Alabama and UT Martin in the two-day Belmont Invitational beginning Friday. The Tigers continue nonconference play before turning their attention to Ohio Valley Conference action later this month.

By the Numbers

• 25 – Assists by freshman setter Sagaia Reilly in her opening weekend.

• 21 – Digs from senior libero Sydni Poston to anchor the back row.

• 18 – Kills from junior Maygan Miller-Garcia to lead the attack.

• 12 – Blocks by the Tigers across three matches.