ORANGEBURG, SC (September 21, 2022) – The Claflin Lady Panthers (6-0) used some strong defense and a balanced offensive attack to remain undefeated when the team took a three-set win over the Fort Valley State Wildcats (1-8), Wednesday evening. The Lady Panthers had to fend off a tremendous effort from the Wildcats to keep their six-match winning streak alive.
It was their usual combination of a balanced offensive attack and some great defense that led the team to their sixth straight victory. The team totaled 29 kills in the match with 61 digs, 11 total blocks (three solo), and four service aces. Claflin senior outside hitter Simone Newell led the Lady Panthers attack with nine kills in the match. She also added 13 digs as well. Freshman setter Siri Davis added 11 assists. Defensively, sophomore libero Jasmine Kirkland led the Lady Panthers’ defense with 16 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Taneja Robinson added five total blocks (two solo).
The first set of the match was the toughest one for the Lady Panthers as the team overcame a slow start to claim the set win. After falling behind, 3-9, the Lady Panthers were able to cut their deficit down to just three points, 15-18. In the final moments of the set, the Lady Panthers took things over with a 9-2 run that sealed the 25-21, set win.
There was no drama in the second set as the Lady Panthers dominated the set from beginning to end. The Lady Panthers took control of the set with a 5-2 start. After building a 14-11 lead, the Lady Panthers exploded for an 11-0 Claflin run that sealed the set win, 25-11.
The third set was a bit more dramatic with the Lady Panthers holding off the Wildcats. The two teams played to a 12-12 tie before the Lady Panthers took control of the set and claimed the match win. The team mounted a 6-1 run to go ahead, 17-13 after an FVSU attack error. From there, the two teams kept battling as the Lady Panthers held a 22-20 lead before the team cruised to the 25-20 win with three straight points and was capped by back-to-back Newell kills.
With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 6-0. The team will return to the road for their next action as they will take on the Elizabeth City State Lady Vikings at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Volleyball Round Up. For more information on Lady Panthers volleyball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.