TUSKEGEE, Ala. – The Tuskegee University women's volleyball team (6-4, 1-3 SIAC) travels to Frankfort, Ky., this weekend for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Cluster hosted by Kentucky State University.
The Golden Tigers will face Lane and LeMoyne-Owen on Friday, Oct. 3, before closing the weekend against host Kentucky State and Central State on Saturday, Oct. 4.
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (6-4, 1-3 SIAC)
Tuskegee enters the weekend looking to rebound from a 1-3 showing at the Albany State Crossover but has been strong overall, highlighted by balanced offensive production and a stout defense.
Offensively, junior outside hitter Najwa Williams has emerged as a go-to option, tallying 84 kills at 2.47 per set while also contributing 58 digs. She is followed by Kayla Coleman at 61 kills.
Fellow outside Zariah Messick has been a consistent two-way presence with 58 kills, 52 digs, and eight service aces. Middle blocker Jordyn Jones added 59 kills, and a team-leading 24 blocks and 13 service aces, giving Tuskegee a reliable option at the net on both offense and defense.
In the backcourt, libero Chloe Edwards anchors the defense with 134 digs (3.83 per set), ranking among conference leaders in digs per set. Defensive specialist Jasmine Brantley has chipped in 63 digs while also helping stabilize serve-receive rotations.
The Golden Tigers' serving game has been paced by Mikea Allen, who not only leads the team with 159 assists (4.68 per set) but also has 101 digs and delivered 11 service aces. As a team, Tuskegee averages 10.6 kills and nearly 16 digs per set, while holding opponents to just a .118 hitting percentage.
ABOUT LANE (1-13, 0-4 SIAC)
Lane comes into the Cluster with a 1-13 overall record and a 0-4 mark in SIAC play and searching for consistency after a tough start to the season.
The Dragons are led by Kyra Gaston, who has registered 124 kills (2.53 per set) with a .278 hitting percentage, along with 38 total blocks. Setter Shaniah Jones has delivered 278 assists (5.67 per set) and 106 digs, and Jayla Johnson leads the defense with over 107 digs.
Lane averages 8.3 kills per set while hitting .086 as a team, but their blocking presence has kept them competitive against stronger offenses.
ABOUT LEMOYNE-OWEN (2-8, 0-3 SIAC)
LeMoyne-Owen enters the Cluster at 3-7 overall and 1-2 in league action, having battled through a challenging early schedule. The Magicians are led by outside hitter Skyler Ivery, who has produced 54 kills at a 1.86 per match pace, followed by Maddelyn Ross, who has tallied 38 kills (2.38 per set) and 43 digs.
The Magicians average 9.0 kills per set and play scrappy defense with 16.3 digs per set, led by Jayla Jordan's 112 digs (3.86 per set). Errors have been costly for LOC, with attack miscues through their first 10 matches, but their ability to extend rallies makes them a tough test.
ABOUT KENTUCKY STATE (1-13, 0-4 SIAC)
Kentucky State stands at 1-13 overall and 0-4 in the SIAC so far this season. The Thorobreds as a team are hitting .115 with 9.3 kills and 8.61 assists per set.
Outside hitter Cydne Clayton has powered the offense with 99 kills (1.94 per set) and 17 service aces, while middle blocker Laila Wheaton adds 89 kills and a .262 hitting percentage and another 17 aces. Setter Amber Gregory and Sienna Stewart direct the attack with 289 combined assists, while Zora Nooks has posted a team-high 132 digs (2.69 per set).
Kentucky State also has one of the most effective front lines in the conference, tallying more than 70 team blocks through 14 matches.
ABOUT CENTRAL STATE (4-5, 1-3 SIAC)
Central State holds a 4-5 overall record and a 1-3 league mark. The Marauders are led by Maya Hendricks with 93 kills (2.74 per set), Braelynn Reese with 79 kills (2.32 per set), and Zahra Coates with 75 kills (2.34 per set).
Setter Brooke Morris directs the offense with 147 assists (4.59 per set), while libero Johanna Holston has recorded 104 digs (3.06 per set). Central State averages nearly 10 kills per set while limiting opponents to just over nine.
Tuskegee opens Friday against Lane before facing LeMoyne-Owen later that evening. Saturday's slate features the host Kentucky State in the morning and Central State in the afternoon. Fans can follow the Golden Tigers' progress throughout the Cluster at goldentigersports.com and on social media.
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