Alabama A&M Athletics

KENNESAW, Ga. | Alabama A&M volleyball suffered its first loss of the season Saturday afternoon, falling to Kennesaw State in straight sets, (19-25, 16-25, 22-25), at VyStar Arena.

With the loss, Alabama A&M moves to 5-1 overall. The Bulldogs finished the match with 32 kills on a .223 hitting percentage, while recording 28 digs and six total blocks. 

Rayishon Jackman led Alabama A&M offensively with eight kills on a .250 hitting percentage, while adding five digs and a block assist. Gerren Tomlin followed with six kills and a team-high eight digs, while Amya Jennings added five kills and hit .250. Carys Sanabria and McKenzie Charles each contributed four kills, hitting .500 and .333, respectively. 

The Bulldogs found themselves in an early hole in the opening set as Kennesaw State used a strong run to build a 9-2 advantage. AAMU responded later in the frame, putting together a run highlighted by back-to-back service aces from Kelani Talakai to pull within four at 19-15. The Owls regained control down the stretch and closed the set, 25-19. 

Alabama A&M produced its best offensive percentage of the afternoon in the second set, hitting .304 with 10 kills and just three errors. The Owls used a mid-set run to create separation before taking the frame, 25-16, and a 2-0 match advantage. 

The Bulldogs came out aggressively in the third, building an early 10-3 lead behind kills from Jackman and Kinslee Carter along with service aces from Jackman and Tomlin. Kennesaw State gradually erased the deficit and tied the frame at 14 before moving ahead. 

AAMU continued to battle late. Trailing 23-19, Tomlin delivered a kill and service ace as the Bulldogs pulled within one at 23-22. Kennesaw State answered with the final two points to secure the set, 25-22, and the match. 

Setter Briana Smith paced the Bulldogs with 17 assists, while Kaydee Smith added 10. Alabama A&M also recorded five service aces and six total blocks in the contest. 

NEXT UP 

The Bulldogs will remain on the road to compete in the Loyola Classic Tournament in Chicago, Ill. on September 10-12. 

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