Athens, WV – Bluefield State University volleyball opened play at the Concord Classic on Thursday with a five-set victory over Kentucky State before falling to host Concord at the Carter Center.
The Big Blue started strong with a 3–2 win over Kentucky State (25–16, 18–25, 25–8, 23–25, 15–12). The Big Blue dominated the third set, holding the Thorobreds to just eight points, and closed out the fifth set with clutch kills and consistent serving to take the match. Soniya Garner led the attack with 16 kills with Allyson Martin adding 12. Setter Gabby Hale dished out 38 assists and added 11 digs. Maya Morales anchored the defense with 23 digs, and Rosalyn Nightingale and Kaileigh Solis combined for eight service aces.
In the second match of the day, the Big Blue squared off with the Mountain Lions, falling 3–1 (14–25, 25–18, 21–25, 13–25). The Big Blue rallied in the second set to even the match, but the Mountain Lions controlled the final two frames. Garner again led the offense with 14 kills and 10 digs, while Martin added six kills. Hale recorded 29 assists, Morales finished with 14 digs, and the duo of Nnea Williams and Dynasty Andrews combined for six blocks.
Final: Bluefield State 3, Kentucky State 2 / Bluefield State 1, Concord 3
Up Next: Bluefield State vs. West Virginia Wesleyan Friday, September 19th at 3 pm @ Concord University
