JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State volleyball team improved to 15-4 on the season and 5-1 in ASUN play following a 3-0 sweep over North Alabama (6-13, 0-6), their tenth of the season.

Lena Kindermann led the Gamecocks offensively with 14 kills while hitting .650 for the match. Senior Katie Montgomery added eight kills and recorded five total blocks, a team high. Erin Carmichael led the back row with 11 digs. Senior Lexie Libs added six kills and a team-high 33 assists to go along with four digs.

"I thought we were really focused those first two sets," said Head Coach Todd Garvey. "Our serve receive was really good. We played really clean in those first two sets and I think when we keep our unforced errors down, we are tough to stop. I loved how Lexi spread the ball around and kept everybody involved. That third set I think we got a little bit sloppy but other than that I think we played great."

The Gamecocks fell behind 4-1 to begin the match before a 9-0 run gave JSU a 14-7 lead. Kindermann recorded four kills during the run. Jax State controlled the set the rest of the way, winning 25-12, capped with a kill from Libs.

The Gamecocks controlled the second set early on after taking a 5-3 lead following a Halverson kill. Four consecutive attack errors from the Lions gave the Gamecocks a 10-5 lead. Kills from Halverson, Gonzales and Kindermann gave JSU a 22-14 advantage late in the set. Kindermann secured the 25-16 set-win with her 10^th kill of the match.

North Alabama took a 5-1 lead to begin the third set. The Gamecocks slowly cut into the lead and tied the set, 12-12, following a 4-0 run. A service error from the Lions once again evened the set, 13-13, before a Kaylie Milton kill put the Gamecocks up 14-13. Tied 15-15, a 3-0 run that included two kills from Kinderman, put JSU ahead 18-15. The Gamecocks held the lead the rest of the way winning 25-21 in the set and 3-0 in the match.

The Gamecocks' effort in the sweep was balanced offensively and defensively. Jax State outhit the visitors .415 to .089 in the match and recorded 12 blocks, compared to just four. JSU also recorded 36 digs.

"I think that is one of the things we didn't have last year. Last year we had a great offense, but we didn't have a great defense and this year we have both," added Garvey. "We have to get more consistent with it, so it is awesome to see both sides show up at the same match."

The Gamecocks return to action Friday, Oct. 15 in THE PETE against Lipscomb at 6 p.m.