The Lady Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman capped off a solid weekend of play at the ASU Hornet Invitational, Saturday, earning a victory in the morning against Mississippi Valley State, winning 3-2, but returning in the afternoon to be downed in three games by Alabama A&M. B-CU finished off the tournament with a record of 2-1.
In the first match with the Devilettes of Mississippi Valley State, the Lady Wildcats faced a heavy battle, as the match went to 5 games, featuring 24 tie scores and 11 lead changes. In the first game, B-CU struck first, but MVSU fired back reclaiming the lead. This was the course of the game, as 7 more lead changes came prior to the MVSU coming out on top 25-22. In the next game, however, B-CU went on the offensive, dominating the Devilettes with a victory of 25-7. The struggle continued, with MVSU taking the third game, 25-17, and B-CU claiming the fourth, 25-21. In the tiebreaking game, B-CU came from behind, making an 8-2 scoring run and coming out on top 15-12, taking the match 3-2.
Against MVSU, the Lady Wildcats hit .290 as a team, including an outstanding .556 (11-18) in the second game. Leading B-CU against MVSU, Chelle Ticeson finished with 15 kills, and hitting .520. The B-CU attacks was strong, with Jessica Wilson also chipping in 14 kills (.216), followed by Kaiyana Johnson with 11 kills (.625). Julie Gibson returned to the lineup against MVSU and split time with Daryl Rodriguez setting up for the B-CU attack, with Rodriguez still leading the team in assists, with 29, while Gibson had 23. Shakhea Moore-Hagins took over on defense, collecting 14 digs, followed by Jessica Wilson with 12.
In the second match of the day, the Lady Wildcats returned in the afternoon to face Alabama A&M. Although B-CU came out focused, they ran up against a much stronger attack, as they fell to Alabama A&M 3-0, in games of 25-22, 25-21, 25-15.
Chelle Ticeson led the attack against AA&M with 11 kills (.500), followed by Jessica Wilson with 10 (.200). Julie Gibson topped the Lady Wildcats at setter, notching 14 assists, followed by Daryl Rodriguez with 10. Shakhea Moore-Hagins finished with nine digs, followed by Jessica Wilson with eight, and Shanicka Reddick with six.
The Lady Wildcats (2-7) return home to Moore Gymnasium for their next action, facing Savannah State on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.