TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | The Grambling State University women's volleyball team put up a valiant effort on the opening day of the Crimson Tide Invitational but wasn't able to crack the win column falling to Alabama and UT-Martin.
In the opening game, GSU (0-2) pushed Alabama to the brink, falling in five sets to the tournament hosts before dropping a four-set battle to Tennessee-Martin to close the day.
Match 1 - Alabama
After a rough opening set that saw Alabama take it 25-12, GSU found its groove in the second frame.
The Tigers figured the Crimson Tide out in the second frame, using the power of GSU newcomer
Essence Allen. With the set tied 6-6, the Tigers got a 4-point run highlighted by three kills by Allen to take grab a 10-6 advantage.
GSU continued to grow its lead in the set, eventually taking a 23-14 lead. Another kill by Allen clinched the set, tying the match 1-1.
Grambling State carried its momentum into the third set, winning 25-20. The Tigers trailer 16-12 but rallied back. With the score tied 19-19, a service error allowed the Tigers to push ahead complete the set on top.
Alabama, however, took the final two frames to win the match 3-2.
Allen led GSU with 21 kills.
Mil'lanni Marte led the Tigers with 14 digs.
Alabama's Sohpie Agee paced the Crimson Tide with 22 kills.
Match 2 – Tennessee-Martin
In the final match of the day, Grambling State fell to Tennessee-Martin 3-1.
The Tigers got off to a strong start, taking the first set 25-20, but dropped the final three sets 17-25, 23-25, 18-25.
Madison Reagins led GSU with 11 kills, while
Alyssa Pieh and
Mil'lanni Marte registered 11 digs apiece.
UP NEXT
GSU concludes the Crimson Tide Invitational on Saturday with a contest versus The Citadel. The contest is set to begin at 11 a.m.
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