CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Allen University rallied in the decisive fifth set to defeat Johnson C. Smith University 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 21-25, 15-12 on Monday night at Brayboy Gymnasium.
The Golden Bulls battled back from a two set deficit to force a fifth set but could not complete the comeback. JCSU opened the season 0-1, while Allen improved to 1-0.
JCSU was led offensively by
Dacia Lowery, who recorded 11 kills, while
Mariah Dulan added nine and
Rylea Ross finished with six.
Marianna Diaz paced the Golden Bulls with 16 assists and added three service aces.
Naveah Baker contributed 11 assists and a team-high five aces, while
Rihanna Myers added four aces.
At the net, Ross led JCSU with three blocks.
Jadyn Chestnut recorded two blocks and
Lapri Cromer added one.
The Golden Bulls finished with 42 kills, 18 service aces, six blocks and 35 assists. JCSU also held a 123-103 advantage in total attacks.
Allen finished with 44 kills and four blocks, while Zimora Owens led all players with 13 kills and added two blocks.
After dropping the first two sets, JCSU responded with a 26-24 win in the third set and followed with a 25-21 victory in the fourth to force the deciding set. Allen ultimately pulled away in the fifth, 15-12.
