GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State volleyball put together a strong effort on Sunday afternoon but ultimately fell 3-1 to Bethune-Cookman inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

The Lady Tigers claimed the second set in dominant fashion but couldn't hold off the Wildcats' late push, dropping the match by scores of 15-25, 25-18, 19-25, 20-25.

With the loss, Grambling moves to 4-16 overall and 3-7 in SWAC play, while Bethune-Cookman improves to 12-11 and 9-2 in conference action.

Grambling was led offensively by Avri Solik-Fifarek, who recorded 15 kills and four service aces, while Kenya Lucas added 10 kills and Ra'Niya Brown contributed eight.

Setters Reece Cook and Alayna Howard evenly shared the playmaking duties, dishing out 18 assists apiece.

On defense, Leisey Keli'i anchored the back row with 18 digs, followed by Solik-Fifarek with eight and Jazmine Binion with seven.
 




HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: Bethune-Cookman jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead behind efficient hitting from Amya Jennings and Ariel Simmons. Grambling responded with kills from Kenya Lucas and Jazmine Binion, but the Wildcats' .538 attack percentage proved too strong as BCU claimed the opening set 25-15.

Set 2: Grambling flipped the momentum with an early surge sparked by Solik-Fifarek and Brown at the net. The Lady Tigers' offense found its rhythm, hitting an impressive .294 as a team. Timely aces from Keli'i and steady setting from Howard helped GSU pull away late to secure a 25-18 win.

Set 3: The third set was tightly contested early, featuring several back-and-forth rallies. Solik-Fifarek's serving gave GSU a brief edge, but BCU's offense regained control with key points from Jennings and Simmons to close the set 25-19.

Set 4: Grambling came out aggressive again, taking a 7-5 advantage after kills from Solik-Fifarek and Lucas. The Wildcats, however, capitalized on late errors to retake control. Despite solid defensive play from Keli'i and Binion, Bethune-Cookman sealed the match with a 25-20 win.
 




UP NEXT
Grambling State continues SWAC play when it hosts Florida A&M on Monday, October 27, inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. First serve is set for 6 p.m.






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