JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State volleyball team defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs for the second time this season on Tuesday night to remain undefeated at home inside Pete Matthews Coliseum.
In an outstanding night for the Gamecocks (13-5), senior
Charis Ludtke tied her career high with five service aces against the Bulldogs. Another senior shined as
Jennifer Hart finished a dig shy from a double-double with nine digs and 24 assists. Freshman
Madison Cooler also had a great night against AAMU with seven kills, while junior
Mackenzie Rombach led the team with 10 kills on a .300 hitting clip. Defensively, senior
Hannah Kirk posted 12 digs and Rombach recorded five blocks as the Gamecocks held their visitors to an .011 attack percentage for the night.
JSU started out strong with the first two sets winning the first set 25-14, and the second 25-18. Jax State maintained a strong lead throughout the first game, and held off AAMU's late rally in the second as the Bulldogs tried to keep the pace. In the third set, the Gamecocks finished strong pulling away with a 25-10 victory to secure their fifth-straight home sweep.
Following the match, JSU head coach
Terry Gamble stated that this was, "the best game we've played" and that he "couldn't be happier." Gamble also stated that their biggest strength as a team is their work ethic. A message that appears evident on the court, and creates high expectations for the rest of the season.
The Gamecocks will return to action on Thursday with a visit to Tennessee Tech to begin the first of four straight road matches to begin Ohio Valley Conference play. JSU will conclude the opening weekend of conference action at Southeast Missouri on Saturday. Live stats will be available for both matches along with being streamed on the OVC Digital Network.
- Megan Ogle