NASHVILLE — Tennessee State volleyball will close its nonconference schedule Tuesday when the Tigers travel to Huntsville, Alabama, to face Alabama A&M at 6 p.m. inside T.M. Elmore Gym.
The match will be streamed on Bulldogs All-Access, with live statistics available through AAMUSports.com.
Tennessee State (0-10) returns to action after facing Austin Peay on the road Wednesday. Alabama A&M enters the match at 6-7 following a three-set victory over Central Michigan on Saturday.
Last Time Out
Gabriella Blevins led Tennessee State's defensive effort at the net in a three-set loss at Austin Peay, recording two solo blocks and two block assists.
Blevins added two kills and accounted for a team-high five points. Gabrielle Washington provided an efficient offensive performance, finishing with five kills and one error on 10 attacks for a .400 hitting percentage.
Wiktoria Jakubik led the Tigers with six kills and added six digs, while Sydney Robinson recorded five kills on 13 swings.
Freshman setter Triniti Jackson totaled 15 assists, five digs and three kills in her first match since earning Ohio Valley Conference Co-Rookie of the Week honors.
Jordan Imperial led the back row with eight digs and added two service aces. Sydni Poston also recorded two aces.
The Tigers turned in their strongest performance during a back-and-forth opening set that featured 12 ties and four lead changes. TSU remained within striking distance throughout the frame before Austin Peay secured the final two points of the 25-23 decision.
Jackson Earns OVC Recognition
Jackson was named the OVC Co-Rookie of the Week after totaling 81 assists, 25 digs, 10 kills and seven blocks over 11 sets against North Alabama and Evansville.
The Longview, Texas, native averaged 7.36 assists and 2.27 digs per set while hitting .333 with one attacking error on 27 attempts.
Her week was highlighted by the first double-double of her collegiate career against Evansville. Jackson finished with career highs of 36 assists and 13 digs while adding seven kills on 16 error-free attacks for a .438 hitting percentage.
Scouting Alabama A&M
Alabama A&M went 1-2 at the FIU Invite over the weekend, dropping matches to Jacksonville and host Florida International before closing the tournament with a sweep of Central Michigan.
The Bulldogs defeated Central Michigan 25-22, 25-14, 25-20 behind a balanced offensive performance. Gerren Tomlin led Alabama A&M with 19 kills and a .385 hitting percentage while adding nine digs.
Rayishon Jackman recorded a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs to go with three service aces. Amya Jennings added six kills, while Carys Sanabria finished with five kills and hit .364.
Kaydee Smith directed the offense with 20 assists, while Briana Smith contributed 18 assists, 10 digs and two aces. Kelani Talakai led the Bulldogs' defensive effort with 15 digs.
Alabama A&M opened the season with four consecutive victories and is 4-0 at home.
Series History
Tennessee State leads the all-time series against Alabama A&M 9-1 and holds a 3-0 record in Huntsville.
Tuesday will mark the Tigers' first road match against the Bulldogs since 2016, when TSU earned a 25-16, 25-19, 25-11 sweep.
Alabama A&M claimed its first victory in the series last season, defeating Tennessee State 25-10, 25-19, 25-22 at Kean Hall. The result ended a nine-match TSU winning streak in the series dating to the teams' first meeting in 2007.
Up Next
Tennessee State will have nine days between matches before opening Ohio Valley Conference play against Western Illinois on Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. inside Kean Hall.
The conference opener will feature a Greek Night theme.
