Volleyball Battles To The End But Falls In Home Opener

The Texas Southern volleyball team dropped a hard-fought match to Southern by a 3-1 margin on Friday afternoon in the H&PE Arena.

Set one was neck-and-neck at the beginning with numerous ties and lead changes. With the contest tied at 12-all, Southern attempted to create separation as they led 15-12 but TSU fought back led by Indyah Rideaux’s two kills for a 16-14 margin. TSU drew to within 17-15 after an SU attack error but SU reeled off four straight points to lead 21-15. TSU would draw no closer than five points the remainder of the way as they closed out the set 25-18.

TSU came out on fire to open set two with three consecutive points but saw the lead dwindle as SU scored four straight points. Three errors by TSU would push its deficit to 7-5 but Danielle Lilley’s kill moved TSU to within 7-6. Southern would maintain a two-point lead over the next few plays but TSU narrowed the gap to 11-10 after a pair of errors from SU. However, the momentum went back to SU after three TSU errors and SU slowly began to pull away as they went on a 12-2 en route to a 25-15 win.

The Tigers once again opened the third set with momentum as they stormed out to a 5-0 lead until a service error ended the rally. TSU overcame the brief hiccup and maintained a comfortable lead but Southern stormed back and took an 18-17 lead. With their backs against the wall, TSU’s Radka Brichackova and Maria Gutierrez came up with a big block to knot the contest at 18-all. Southern would reclaim a 21-18 lead but the Tigers stormed back with a team effort as Rideaux and Janiya Chapman came up big with kills to help TSU pull out a 25-22 win.

Tied 8-8 in set four, Southern outscored TSU 7-2 for an early 15-10 lead. The lead would grow to as much as six on several occasions but TSU persevered and went on a 5-1 to draw within 24-22. Unfortunately, TSU never had the opportunity to finish what they started as play was called in the middle of action due to a serve rotation error.

Indyah Rideaux led TSU with 10 kills followed by eight from Jada Hall and Danielle Lilley.

TSU is back in action at home Monday against Prairie View A&M at 6:30 p.m.