Led by Mackenzie Murray with 17 kills, VSU’s women’s volleyball team outlasted Albany State in 4 sets as the Blazers improved to 11-4 on the season, while the Golden Rams dropped to 9-9.

After coming off back to back conference wins against Shorter and Lee respectively, it appeared that the Blazers would make quick work of Albany State.

That was until Albany State came out swinging as the Blazers and Golden Rams traded ties and slim leads as they approached the end of set 1.

“We lost a little bit of focus,” said Murray. “They kept getting us out of the system.”

Even with ASU’s strong first set, Murray made the set-clinching kill while facing the set point, closing a hard-fought set 25-22.

However, the second set was a wakeup call for VSU as the Golden Rams bested the Blazers 25-22.

“I think the biggest thing in that set was when they were in the system,” said VSU Head Volleyball Coach Kaleigh Zoucha. “As long as they had a good pass and could run all of their hitters, it was difficult to defend.”

Tied up at one set a piece, the Blazers came out dominating as VSU outscored ASU 25-8 to take set 3.

Blazers outside hitter Mallory Roney said what helped VSU dominate this set was getting back to basics.

“We got back to playing our game and having fun,” said Roney. “Getting high quality digs when necessary, touches on the block, and staying calm and consistent.”

After a hard-fought set that resembled sets 1 and 2, the Blazers and Golden Rams found themselves tied at 27 all.

After another kill from Murray and an ASU miscalculation, the Blazers took set 4 29-27, winning the match 3 sets to 1.

“Mackenzie is a killer,” said Roney. “She’s great when the pressure is turned on.”

VSU will travel to Alabama this Friday as they take on conference opponent Montevallo.

Written by Jack Calhoun, Sports Editor. Photo courtesy of VSU.