The Lady Lions and new head coach Geno Frugoli came from two sets down to beat the Jackson State Lady Tigers during their home opener. The win snapped a 14-game losing streak, according to lionsports.net. The match, held on Aug. 30, had an attendance of around 450 people, including several members of different Greek organizations.
“It’s always nice to have the home spirit. They were cheering – we were feeding off it,” said junior middle blocker Courtney Donald. “It was like a back and forth for.”
The first set saw the teams deadlocked twice, but JSU managed to pull away and end the set 25-22. The second set was not as close, as the Lady Tigers finishing the set 25-14. JSU tallied 28 kills in the first two sets against the Lady Lions 20.
But after the second set, things looked up for the Lady Lions.
“We got to calm down and do the things we were supposed to do,” said Frugoli, on his halftime speech. “We talked about the scouting report again and when we started figuring out where the holes were and what we should’ve been doing all along, it became easier for coming.”
Williams led the team with 14 kills and 16 points. Freshman outside-hitter Elizabeth Ramee contributed 33 total attacks for a total of 9.5 points, while senior middle-blocker Paige Dollison tallied eight digs and 11.5 points. Sophomore setter Lindsey Young put up 40 assists, 11 digs, 12.5 points and four aces.
The Lady Lions next home game is tonight at 7 p.m. in the University Center. They will be facing up against the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks.