TALLAHASSEE - Fatima Ramirez's 14-kill performance helped the fifth-seeded Alabama A&M Bulldogs beat the fourth-seeded Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 3-1 in the SWAC tournament quarterfinals. The loss ends the Wildcats' season while the Bulldogs will advance to face Florida A&M in the semis.


The first set was one that was dominated by Bethune-Cookman early on. An attack error by the Bulldogs gave the Wiildcats a commanding 6-1 lead early on, but Alabama A&M quickly fought back as they were able to tie the set at 11.

The remainder of the set was controlled by the Bulldogs as they were able to gain a slight lead that they would never relinquish, eventually winning the set 25-21. They finished with 14 kills compared to eight for the Wildcats.

The second set was back-and-forth most of the way through, as neither team could gain any separation. Following a kill by Rayishon Jackman, the Bulldogs were able grab a 19-16 lead, their biggest of the set. AAMU was able to maintain the lead, getting to 24 points after a kill by Kelani Talakai.

The Wildcats, with their backs against the wall, answered the call in the second set, scoring six straight points to steal the set from the Bulldogs. B-CU scored the final two points using two blocks by Sienna Lawrence as they tied the game at one set apiece.

Set three was also tight early on. Bethune-Cookman tied the game at 10 each following a kill by Kaleigh Williams. 

Following another tied at 11, the Bulldogs went on a run of four straight points that turned out to be the difference. B-CU was able to narrow the deficit back down to two, but ultimately, it was too much to overcome as AAMU held on to win the set 25-18.

After several more lead changes early on the in the fourth set, BCU was able to build a 10-7 lead following a kill by Shayla Henry. The Bulldogs were able to tied the match at 14 after a service ace as they looked to generate one last run to close out the game.

The Bulldogs outscored the Wildcats 11-4 the rest of the way. They were able to take the set and the match after two straight kills by Fatima Ramirez to advance to the semifinals.
 

• Shayla Henry led the Wildcats with 11 kills
• B-CU finished with 24 block assists, including 8 by Sierra Herndon
• Melissa Gonzalez had a standout performance, finishing with 22 assists, 10 digs, and two kills
• AAMU's Fatima Ramirez collected 16 attacks on a .483 hitting percentage
• Briana Smith had 31 assists and 10 digs for the Bulldogs