Box Score GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State Tigers volleyball team used a late rally to nearly pull off the comeback in its season opener, but it wasn't quite enough as Prairie View closed the door with a five-set (22-25, 18-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-6) victory at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center in Southwestern Athletic Conference action. This is the first action that the Tigers have seen since November 2019 before having its 2020 season postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Tonight was an exciting night; there was a lot of energy in the gym," said head coach Demetria Keys-Johnson. "Our girls showed a lot of grit and showed hard work."

Lone senior Linzy Woods led Grambling (0-1 overall, 0-1 SWAC) with 11 kills while preseason first-team All-SWAC selection Gilian Jones added nine kills for the Tigers.

"We fell short tonight because we weren't disciplined in our assignments 120 percent, but I have faith that we will clean it up, we will solve the problem and we will push forward to win," said Coach Johnson.

Sophomore setter Kalee Caldwell produced a team-high 16 assists while junior setter Sheila Borders finished with 15 assists for Grambling. Preseason second-team All-Swac selection Tamaira Johnson chipped in with eight kills and battled at the net all evening.

"We had good play from Linzy Woods, Tamaira Johnson and Gillian Jones," Coach Johnson explained. "Those are our top players, they did an awesome job tonight and I look forward to positive things from them in the future."

Prairie View was led by Tamaira Armstrong, who finished wit a game-high 15 kills for the Panthers, who improve to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in SWAC play.

"I want to thank our fans, our families, and thank our staff that runs the university for the great job they did in our home opener," said Coach Johnson. "We really appreciate the support and hard work."

Click here to watch a highlight video between the Grambling Tigers volleyball team and its season opening contest against Prairie View.
 

Up Next

Grambling returns to action on Monday, January 25 as it hosts Texas Southern in SWAC action. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

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