Top-seeded Alabama A&M set for SWAC Women's Volleyball Tournament

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Jaelin Gant savors every moment.

From scoring points to winning matches — and even the bus rides to college campuses across the Southeast.

No matter how major, or minor, the feat, for the Alabama A&M outside-hitter, each part of the season is a memory Gant wants relishes.

For good reason.

This Alabama A&M women's volleyball season has been special.

So special, in fact, it has the potential to be the type of season that prompts a banner to be raised inside Elmore Gymnasium.

Alabama A&M (21-13) enters the SWAC women's volleyball tournament at Mississippi Valley State as the top seed. The Bulldogs play eighth-seeded Alcorn State in the quarterfinals on Friday at 11 a.m.

The championship is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m., with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

"Going into this, we're taking it one match, or better yet, one point at a time," said Gant, a junior outside-hitter from Birmingham, Ala.

"That's how we've approached the entire season, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've enjoyed every moment of the ride that has been this season."

Since conference play began on Sept. 21, Alabama A&M has been one of the league's most dominant teams, winning 17 of its last 18 matches.

There are several reasons why.

Senior libero Mine Centinoz has been one of the SWAC's top defenders. She has recorded 308 digs, averaging 4.53 per set. She also has recorded 19 service aces in 68 sets.

Alabama A&M also has been an efficient scoring team. Terra Brooks is second in the SWAC with 2.8 kills per set, while Gant is third with 2.63. Alana Cox is fourth in the league with 2.61 kills per set.

Megan Evans leads the SWAC with 8.6 assists per set.

"Since the moment I got here (at Alabama A&M), I knew we were building something special," said Cox, a freshman from Madison, Ala.

"We've worked hard to prepare for this moment, but we also understand nothing can be taken for granted. Our goal is to win the conference and make the NCAAs. But in volleyball, one letdown in a tournament can bring everything crashing down. We're determined to not let that happen."

Alabama A&M coach Rose Powell agreed.

"In a conference tournament, there is very little margin for error," she said. "But I feel like we're focused. If we take it one match, and one point, at a time, then I feel like we've got a great opportunity to do something special."

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Players Mentioned

#6 Jaelin Gant: OH; 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior

#8 Alana Cox: OH/MB; 6' 0"; Freshman

#15 Megan Evans: S; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#17 Terra Brooks: OH; 5' 10"; Junior

#1 Mine Centinoz: L/DS; 5' 7"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#6 Jaelin Gant
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior
: OH

#8 Alana Cox
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: OH/MB

#15 Megan Evans
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: S

#17 Terra Brooks
: 5' 10"; Junior
: OH

#1 Mine Centinoz
: 5' 7"; Senior
: L/DS