ST. LOUIS – The Hornets volleyball team are on a roll!! Traveling to Hannibal, Missouri, to face the Trojans of Hannibal-LaGrange University, the Hornets are leaving no doubt that they are a team to get things done.
Breakdown per set: 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, 33-31
Looking at the score breakdown per set, it is evident that the Hornets and Trojans both came to PLAY! In the first set, the Trojans started the scoring with back-to-back aces. An attack error by Layla Horn, handed the Hornets their first point and it was on from there. A'Nia Ware landed an ace of her own to tie the score at 2-2. After being deadlocked at six, Harris-Stowe went on a run, which led to a score of 12-6. With the set knotted at 20, it was an intense battle to 25. HGU broke the tie, however, HSSU tied it back at 21 and went up by one on a kill by Ariel Stroud. A kill by Hannibal-LaGrange brought another tie at 22. The Hornets only relinquished one point to the Trojans from that point to take the set.
Set two mirrored the first in the beginning and with the final score. Hannibal-LaGrange scored opened scoring with two points on kills instead of aces like the opening set. A service error by Myrnaliz Perez allowed Harris-Stowe to jump on the board. This set was tied at two as well, on a kill by A'nyla Watson. The Hornets were up 21-17 towards the end of the set and had to remained focused because the Trojans never stopped fighting. A service error gave HSSU their first point and provided the set-winning point.
The third set, ironically ended with the same score as the first two but with the Trojans as the victor. This set was interesting based on the student-athletes focus and their agility to get to the ball and keep it in play. In this case, HGU wanted the set more. The fourth set was an instant classic. Both teams showed sheer will and determination. With a final score of 33-31, it was a battle till the end. The Hornets took the set and the match.
With three Hornets recorded double-digit kills, it was a phenomenal contest for the Hornets. Ariel Stroud paced the team with 20, while Ariyonna Johnson and Queen Patterson tallied 13 and 11, respectively. A'Nia Ware dominated in assists with 50. Nickeal Clark for the second contest in a row, recorded 19 digs for the Hornets; while Makayla Hernandez added nine and Arneka McReynolds finished with nine.
Harris-Stowe will host Philander Smith College on Wednesday, October 5th at 6:00 pm.
