NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State showed flashes on both sides of the ball Saturday afternoon, highlighted by a strong second-set offensive performance and balanced production across the lineup, before falling to Western Illinois in three sets (18-25, 23-25, 20-25) at Kean Hall.
The match featured 17 ties and eight lead changes, with the Tigers staying in the fight throughout the afternoon. Tennessee State's best offensive stretch came in the second set, when TSU totaled 17 kills and hit .350.
Gabrielle Washington led the Tigers with eight kills on 13 swings while hitting a team-best .385. Sydney Robinson also finished with eight kills, while Wiktoria Jakubik added seven. Triniti Jackson contributed six kills, 18 assists and eight digs in an all-around effort.
Set One – Western Illinois 25, Tennessee State 18
The opening frame was competitive from the start, with the teams working through seven ties and three lead changes.
Tennessee State stayed within reach for much of the set before Western Illinois created separation late to take the opener, 25-18. The Tigers totaled seven kills in the frame while continuing to battle defensively.
Set Two – Western Illinois 25, Tennessee State 23
The Tigers responded with their strongest offensive set of the afternoon.
TSU put down 17 kills with only three attack errors on 40 swings, good for a .350 hitting percentage. The frame featured another seven ties and four lead changes, as neither side was able to create much separation.
Jackson helped distribute the offense while also providing production at the net, and Washington continued to give the Tigers an efficient option through the middle. Tennessee State stayed with Western Illinois deep into the frame before the Leathernecks narrowly escaped with a 25-23 win.
Set Three – Western Illinois 25, Tennessee State 20
Tennessee State continued to battle in the third, with the set featuring three more ties and another lead change.
The Tigers recorded 10 kills in the frame and remained within striking distance as the set progressed. Western Illinois made the final push down the stretch to take the set 25-20 and close out the match.
By the Numbers
Washington finished with eight kills, a .385 hitting percentage and two total blocks, accounting for a team-high 9.5 points. Robinson added eight kills, while Jakubik chipped in seven kills, four digs and a service ace.
Jackson filled the stat sheet with six kills, 18 assists and eight digs, while Italya Carter added nine assists and nine digs.
Jordan Imperial anchored the defense with a match-high 15 digs, helping Tennessee State finish with 48 as a team. The Tigers also recorded three service aces and four total blocks.
Up Next
Tennessee State returns to the road next weekend for a two-match OVC series at SIUE in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Tigers will look to bounce back as they continue conference play against the Cougars.
