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Philander Smith University
Philander Smith Triumphs Over Tougaloo in Thrilling Five-Set Showdown
Posted: Sep 21, 2024

Philander Smith Triumphs Over Tougaloo in Thrilling Five-Set Showdown

Box Score

In an exhilarating display of volleyball, Philander Smith College secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tougaloo College in a five-set match on September 21, 2024. The battle took place at 1:00 p.m. on Tougaloo's home court in Mississippi, with both teams delivering performances that kept fans at the edge of their seats.

The match, filled with momentum swings and nail-biting rallies, saw Philander Smith improve to 9-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while Tougaloo fell to 1-8 overall and 1-1 in the conference. Despite their records, both teams put forth tremendous effort, making it a tightly contested match until the final points.

Key Performers for Philander Smith:

  • Zarea Winn dominated the court with an impressive 20 kills, showcasing her attacking prowess.
  • Ja'Niya Sanders added 10 kills, while Kiah Rucker chipped in 9 kills to keep the pressure on Tougaloo's defense.
  • Essence Wren was the backbone of the offense with a match-high 40 assists, controlling the tempo and contributing 4 kills of her own.
  • Angelle Thibeaux and Maya Jones also played pivotal roles, delivering crucial points through their aggressive play at the net.

Tougaloo's Standout Players:

  • Kaliyah Shavers led the charge with 15 kills, keeping Tougaloo competitive throughout the match.
  • Lashundria Chatman matched her teammate's intensity, finishing with 17 kills, while Janai Mason added 8 kills to keep the offense balanced.
  • Tatyeanna Armstrong provided solid playmaking with 28 assists, while Zoie Chambers and Kamyah Love contributed with valuable points at key moments.

Match Recap:

The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading sets, neither willing to give an inch. Tougaloo came out strong, but Philander Smith found their rhythm in critical moments, relying on their experienced roster to push through. In the decisive fifth set, it was Philander Smith's consistency and resilience that allowed them to edge past Tougaloo and clinch the win.

Philander Smith's win not only bolsters their standing within the conference but also solidifies their reputation as a team to watch this season. Tougaloo, despite the loss, showed commendable determination and flashes of brilliance that suggest future success is within reach.

With this thrilling victory, Philander Smith continues its momentum, while Tougaloo, hungry for redemption, will look to regroup and come back stronger in upcoming matchups.