Mississippi State
2-6
South Alabama
3-4
Bulldogs Drop Maroon Classic Opener To South Alabama
September 12, 2014 | Volleyball
Starkville, Miss. – Starting off their home schedule after spending the past two weekends on the road, the Mississippi State volleyball Bulldogs (2-6) dropped a 3-0 decision to the South Alabama Jaguars (3-4) on Thursday to open the 2014 Maroon Classic.
The night started off as a struggle for the lead early on in the first set, with seven ties and four lead changes. However, USA would pull away late behind a 6-0 run, going on to take the opening frame, 25-19. The two sides again played close early on, as both squads struggled for the lead in the second. The Jaguars would piece together several runs to push their lead out to 23-13. MSU would make a run of its own, cutting the lead down to 23-17 off a 4-0 run that forced a USA timeout. Despite the rally attempt, MSU fell short, dropping the second set, 25-18.
MSU would jump ahead by two to start the third set, but would fall victim to a strong South Alabama attack. Highlighted by a 7-0 run, the Jaguars would lock down the Bulldogs to take the set, 25-14, and the match, 3-0.
Leading State on the night was the duo of Chelsea Duhs and Alex Warren, who both turned in 10 kills. Katlyn Mataya and Shelby Anderton both earned double-digit assists, with 18 and 11 respectively. Payton Harris paced the Bulldogs in digs with 17.
Mechell Daniel, who earned 14 kills, spearheaded USA's offensive attack. Emily Hundt turned in a match-high 30 assists. Daniel and Abby Baker both tallied double-digit digs on the night for the Jaguars.
MSU returns to action on Friday to face the Memphis Tigers. The Friday contest will take place at 7 p.m. CT. Prior to State's match, Memphis will take on Nicholls State at 11 a.m., followed by Northwestern State and South Alabama at 1 p.m.
Bulldog fans unable to make it to Newell-Grissom for the tourney can catch MSU in action on SEC Network +. Fans can access the SEC's digital platform through ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app. Live stats will be provided for all nine matches of the weekend tournament at HailState.com.
For more information and updates on Mississippi State volleyball, fans can follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at HailStateVB.
