MOBILE, Ala. - South Alabama (2-0) built up steam throughout the game to defeat Jackson State (0-3) three sets to one.
Jackson State found production early leading the Jaguars throughout most of the set through solid group play. South closed the margin with a 4-0 run highlighted by a kill off a long rally from Abryanna Cannon, and a block from Cannon and Lillie Simons. Neither team forced any separation through 25, but the Lady Tigers willed a set win by a score of 28-26.
The Jaguars responded strongly in Set 2 scoring eight of the first 10 points. South continued to roll through the set, which included two service aces in a row from Hannah Maddux and another from Anna Loberg.
A triplet of kills from Senior Maddie Soboleski kept South competitive early in the third set. After the Jags pulled away 21-17, a decisive block from Cannon and Niki Capizzi left no doubt as they advanced to the final set by a score of 25-19 with a Soboleski ace.
A dominant opening from the Jags centered around a flurry of blocks involving Capizzi, Cannon, and Soboleski sent the Lady Tigers reeling. South spent the majority of the set dealing blow after blow, leaving little for JSU to return. The Jaguars solidified win number two as the beneficiary of an attack error as the Set 4 finalized with a lopsided 25-9 score.
Soboleski led the squad in kills with 21, also adding two block assists, nine digs, and two service aces to the stat line. Kailey Keeble tallied one more assist today than yesterday, with 49.
NOTABLES
- The Jags are now 13-2 historically against Jackson State.
- USA is 8-0 in Jaguar Invitationals dating back to the 2021 season.
- Team hitting percentage is .302, a +.192 margin over opponents.
UP NEXT
The Jaguars close out the 2023 Jaguar Invitational Presented by Hampton by Hilton at Providence Park hosting Tulane (1-1) on Sunday, August 27, at 12:30 p.m.
FOLLOW THE JAGS
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—USA—
