Bethune-Cookman University Athletics

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –  Gerren Tomlin recorded 17 kills, leading Alabama A&M to a 3-0 victory over Bethune-Cookman at Moore Gymnasium. 

Bethune-Cookman (4-7, 0-1 SWAC) battled Alabama A&M (8-7, 1-0 SWAC) throughout the opening set, with the two teams trading points early.

The Wildcats held an 8-7 advantage before the Bulldogs used a 7-0 run to take control. B-CU continued to battle late, cutting the deficit to 23-20, but Alabama A&M received back-to-back kills from Rayishon Jackman and Carys Sanabria to take the opening set, 25-20.

The Wildcats again stayed within striking distance in the second set. After Alabama A&M opened with a 5-2 lead, B-CU responded and eventually rallied to take an 12-11 lead following kills from Laura Lino dos Santos and Talibah Hamlett. 

The Bulldogs then built a 19-14 advantage, but the Wildcats answered with a 4-0 run to pull within one at 19-18. Alabama A&M closed the set on a 6-2 run, however, taking a 2-0 match lead with another 25-20 victory.

Alabama A&M jumped out to an early 5-2 lead in the third set before B-CU responded to tie the score at 5-5. The Bulldogs then broke the set open with a 9-0 run, building a 17-8 advantage.

The Wildcats were unable to overcome the deficit as Alabama A&M closed out the match, 25-15.

• Alaya Rhodes and Kaleigh Williams led the Wildcats with seven kills each.
• Nola Hemphill had 14 assists while Kylynn White finished with 11.
• Gerren Tomlin led AAMU with 17 kills
• Preseason SWAC POTY Rayishon Jackman finished with just five kills and six attack errors (-.036 hitting percentage).
• Former Wildcat Amya Jennings recorded eight kills, five digs, and two block assists.
• Alabama A&M accumulated 51 total kills compared to just 30 for Bethune-Cookman.