PINE BLUFF, AR -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's volleyball team secured an impressive victory against Philander Smith College with a final score of 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-10) to improve to a two-game winning streak and to advance their record to (3-1, 2-1 SWAC) Friday night at H.O. Clemmons Arena.
Sophomore Zyonn Smith dominated with 13 kills to lead the Lady Lions along with junior Haley Gomez's seven kills. Sophomore Nikole Akamine had 15 impressive assists for the Lady Lions, followed by sophomore Elyssa Kennedy, who added 10 assists.
On the defensive side, sophomore Nyah Ellis had 11 digs to lead UAPB, with Smith adding 10, followed by nine digs from junior Kaila Robinson. Gomez led with four huge blocks to assist in the Lady Lions' win against the Lady Panthers.
From the first serve of the game, the Lady Lions brought the energy to the floor, which gave them momentum early in the matchup against Philander Smith, easily taking the first set over PSC with a score of 25-13.
Energy from the first set would carry over to the second and third set as the Lady Lions would not slow the game down. With good minutes from Akamine and freshman Jade Smith, the passion for the game would show in the second set with a score of 25-11 and the third set, closing out the game with a score of 25-10.
UAPB head coach Chelsey Lucus was energized on the sideline as she watched her team create their path to victory. "The biggest thing for us now is to love what you do, have fun playing the game and being a great teammate," said Lucus.
The Lady Lions volleyball team is looking to improve to a three-game winning streak when they travel to Grambling, Louisiana, to take on coach Lucus' alma mater, Grambling State, Monday at 6 p.m. You can follow live stats on uapblionsroar.com.
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