Courtesy of the Dr.Earnest Brown, Albany State Athletics
The Albany State Golden Rams volleyball team and the Edward Waters Tigers battled for the top seed in the SIAC East Division on today at The Jones Brothers Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex on the ASU East Campus.
The Golden Rams improved to (12-6) overall and (12-2) in the SIAC while the Tigers fell to (14-8) overall and (8-2) in the conference. With the win, the Golden Rams are in 1st place in the SIAC East Division.
At the midway point in set 1, the Golden Rams and Tigers were tied (10-10). The Tigers scored 4-straight points to take a (14-10) lead. But, the Golden Rams responded by scoring the next 3 points to close the gap. After the Golden Rams took a (15-14) lead, the Tigers called a timeout to halt the momentum. After the timeout, the Tigers scored 5-straight to take a (19-15) lead. That run prompted the Golden Rams to call a timeout. The Golden Rams responded by scoring 3 consecutive points. The Tigers regrouped and won the match (25-19).
In set 2, the Golden Rams jumped out to an (11-8) lead. The Tigers called a timeout to slow the momentum, but the Golden Rams continued to increase their lead to (14-8). The Golden Rams continued to pour it on as they took a (21-13) lead. The Golden Rams won set 2 by the score of (25-16).
In set 3, the Tigers jumped out to a (5-0) lead. The Tigers extended the lead to (12-3). The Golden Rams battled but the Tigers still held a (16-7) lead in set 3. After a timeout by the Golden Rams, the Tigers extended their lead to (22-10). The Tigers won set 3 (25-14) to take a 2-1 lead in the game.
In set 4, the Golden Rams jumped out to a (9-3) lead over the Tigers. The Golden Rams continued to control the set as they increased their lead to (16-7). The intensity continued to increase as both teams fought for every point. The Tigers called a timeout after the Golden Rams increased the lead to (20-9). The Golden Rams hung on to win the set (25-12).
The intensity in set 5 felt like a SIAC Championship Game. Both teams battled as every point was crucial in deciding the winner and loser of the game. After 12 points, the game was tied (6-6). The Tigers jumped out to a (10-7) lead. But, the Golden Rams scored 3-straight to tie the game at (10-10). With the Golden Rams up (11-10), the Tigers called a timeout. The Golden Rams won set 5 (15-11).
