EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Tennessee State volleyball recorded eight total blocks and six service aces Friday evening, highlighting the Tigers' defensive effort in a three-set setback to Southern Illinois Edwardsville (16-25, 22-25, 12-25) at First Community Arena.
The Tigers (0-14, 0-3 OVC) were led by Gabrielle Washington, who finished with five kills on eight attempts for a team-best .500 hitting percentage. Washington also contributed two solo blocks and finished with seven points.
Gabriella Blevins made her presence felt at the net, recording a match-high four solo blocks and one block assist. Blevins added three kills on six attempts, hitting .333 and finishing with a team-high 7.5 points.
Sydney Robinson matched Washington with five kills while adding six digs and a service ace. Freshman Triniti Jackson directed the offense with 12 assists, two kills and three digs.
Defensively, Jordan Imperial led Tennessee State with nine digs and added a kill and a service ace. Italya Carter contributed five assists and a match-high two service aces.
How It Happened
Set One | SIUE 25, Tennessee State 16
Tennessee State opened the match with a competitive first set that featured seven ties and four lead changes.
The Tigers recorded nine kills on 38 attempts, with contributions throughout the lineup. TSU remained competitive during stretches of the opening frame, but SIUE used its offensive efficiency to pull away for a 25-16 victory.
Set Two | SIUE 25, Tennessee State 22
The Tigers put together their strongest set of the evening in the second frame, pushing the Cougars in a closely contested 25-22 decision.
Tennessee State recorded nine kills while improving its hitting percentage to .063. The frame featured three ties and three lead changes as TSU continued to challenge SIUE.
The Tigers' efforts at the service line and net helped keep the second set competitive, but the Cougars held on to take a two-set advantage.
Set Three | SIUE 25, Tennessee State 12
Tennessee State continued to battle in the final frame, looking to extend the match.
The Tigers recorded three kills in the third set, but SIUE maintained its offensive momentum to secure a 25-12 victory and complete the sweep.
By the Numbers
- Gabrielle Washington: 5 kills, .500 hitting percentage, 2 solo blocks, 7 points
- Gabriella Blevins: 3 kills, .333 hitting percentage, 4 solo blocks, 1 block assist, 7.5 points
- Sydney Robinson: 5 kills, 6 digs, 1 service ace
- Triniti Jackson: 12 assists, 2 kills, 3 digs, 1 service ace
- Jordan Imperial: Team-high 9 digs, 1 kill, 1 service ace
- Italya Carter: 5 assists, 2 service aces
- Tennessee State: 21 kills, 18 assists, 28 digs, 6 service aces and 8 total blocks
Tennessee State's eight blocks marked a strong showing at the net, led by Blevins and Washington, who combined for six solo blocks. The Tigers also distributed their six service aces among five players.
Up Next
Tennessee State continues its Ohio Valley Conference road series at SIUE on Saturday, Oct. 10, with the Tigers looking to respond in the second meeting against the Cougars.
