Bethune-Cookman University Athletics

HOUSTON – In a game in which the two teams combined for nearly 200 digs, the Wildcats came out on top, earning a five-set come-from-behind victory over Texas Southern Health & Physical Education Arena.

Texas Southern (8-18, 7-7) built up an early 8-2 lead in set one and would never trail the rest of the way, taking the set 25-15.

The Tigers built another big lead in set two as Aaliyah Brown's kill made it 17-9 TSU. Bethune-Cookman (13-11, 9-5) had answers this time though, as they would generate a 17-4 run, clinching the set on kills by Leila Hargrove and Alaya Rhodes.

The third set was back-and-forth the whole was, wiith both teams going on multiple lengthy scoring runs. The Tigers again had a big lead up 19-13, but B-CU quickly scored five straight to get back within one.

TSU was able to hold on for the victory this time, scoring six of the final nine points to go up 2-1.

Bethune-Cookman set the tone early in set four, scoring the first five points and dominating the rest of the way. Texas Southern got within four but never closer as the Cats forced a fifth set.

The Tigers began the final set with a 3-0 lead before the Wildcats tied the game at four. After TSU went up 6-5, B-CU would score six striaght to go up 11-6.

Texas Southern did not throw in the towel just yet with 6-1 run to tie the game at 12. The teams were neck and neck until the very end, when B-CU scored two in a row to escape with a victory.

Kills by Rhodes and Kaycee Pennie gave the Wildcats a 17-15 set victory for their ninth conference win of the year.

• The Wildcats hit .113 in the game.
• Alaya Rhodes and Moriah Johnson each had double-doubles
• Johson and Kaliegh Williams each earned season-highs in digs.
• Sienna Lawrence had four blocks.