Skyhawks conquer AAMU

The Skyhawks volleyball team defeated Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in four solid sets on Sept. 18, 2012. UTM lost the first set (22-25), but pushed forward, winning three consecutive sets (25-11, 25-14, 25-16).

UTM was tested by AAMU in the first set, forcing six ties and two lead changes. While the Skyhawks did not take this set, the team secured 18 kills, a majority of which came from outside hitters, sophomore Emily Keaton (7 kills) and freshman Lynsey Hazelwood (6 kills).

After the minor setback of the first set, UTM led the final three sets. After forcing three ties, the team secured a 25-11 second-set win with 14 kills and three services aces. This set was quick as the Skyhawks bested AAMU with eight-point and nine-point runs.

Freshman Shelby Hoskins secured the win with a kill, assisted by sophomore Brandy Dennis, making the score 25-11.

The third set was much like the second with UTM dominating with 11 kills. They kept their winning position the entirety of the set, only allowing AAMU 14 opportunities for point advancement. Keaton, assisted by Dennis, ended the set with a kill.

The fourth and final set pushed the Skyhawks to victory. The game started with a tie of 1-1, however UTM broke this one tie and swiftly moved forward to take the match with 14 kills for this set. Keaton ended this final set with another kill assisted by Dennis.

This is the fourth match the Skyhawks have won, giving the team a record of four wins and nine losses. During this match, the team accumulated 57 kills and 14 service aces. The team achieved eight successful blocks.  Hazelwood and Keaton led the team with 17 aces each; Hazelwood also contributed 7 aces.

The Skyhawk volleyball team will play Tennessee Tech at TTU on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.

Their next home game will be Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. where they will play Murray State.