Alabama A&M Athletics

THE HILL | The Alabama A&M University volleyball team completed an undefeated first day at the Betty Austin Invitational, earning straight-set victories over South Carolina State and Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday.

The Bulldogs (2-0) opened the tournament with a dominant 3-0 victory over South Carolina State, winning by scores of 25-10, 25-14 and 25-7. Alabama A&M delivered an impressive offensive performance, recording 45 kills with just three errors to finish with a .553 hitting percentage.

Gerren Tomlin led the Bulldogs with 12 kills on a .500 hitting percentage, while Rayishon Jackman added five kills, 10 digs and a match-high five service aces. Carys Sanabria contributed seven kills while hitting .545, along with two aces. Scholar Bates and Cherrish Robinson each registered five kills on six attempts for a .833 hitting percentage.

Kaydee Smith and Briana Smith directed the offense with 16 assists apiece, while Molly Chappell collected a match-high 14 digs. The Bulldogs also finished with 11 service aces and held South Carolina State to a -.030 hitting percentage.

Alabama A&M closed the tournament with another sweep, defeating Maryland Eastern Shore 25-15, 35-33 and 25-20.

Jackman paced the Bulldogs with 10 kills and seven digs, while Amya Jennings added nine kills on a .389 hitting percentage. Bates and Sanabria recorded seven kills each, with Sanabria committing no attacking errors and finishing at a .538 clip.

Kaydee Smith posted 18 assists, four digs and two service aces, while Briana Smith added 16 assists. Kelani Talakai led the defensive effort with nine digs as Alabama A&M finished the match with 44 kills, eight total blocks and a .236 hitting percentage.

The Bulldogs combined for 89 kills and 14 service aces across the two victories while dropping just one set beyond 20 points throughout the first day of the tournament. 

NEXT UP 

The Bulldogs will compete Saturday morning at 10 a.m against North Carolina Central at the AAMU Event Center for the second day of the Betty Austin Invitational. 

For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics – The Rocket City's only Division I program - check out the official homepage at www.aamusports.com. Remember to follow us on social media: Instagram (@aamuathletics), Facebook (aamubulldogathletics), Twitter (@_aamuathletics) and TikTok (aamuathletics).