Bethune-Cookman University Athletics

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –  Alaya Rhodes finished the afternoon with a season-high 21 kills as the Wildcats took care of business against Alabama State at Moore Gymnasium. The win is B-CU's first in SWAC play, moving them to 1-1 in the early going.

Bethune-Cookman (5-7, 1-1) got off to a fast start during the first set, taking a 4-1 lead which included two early kills from Alayah Rhodes. But Alabama State (2-13, 0-2) quickly grabbed the lead and took control, going on a 9-2 scoring run to make it 10-6 Hornets.

The Wildcats were able to rally and eventually tie the game at 19, but ASU outscored B-CU 6-3 the rest of the way to thwart the comeback and win the first set. The Hornets hit .294 in the first set compared to just .188 for the Wildcats.

The second set was close early, but the Wildcats stormed out ahead using a 9-2 scoring run to take a 14-9 lead. The Hornets would then score four straight to cut the deficit back to one.

The score remained close at the end of the set, but Bethune-Cookman made the plays down the stretch to even the score at one set apiece. Talibah Hamlett secured the final point for B-CU on a kill assisted by Rhodes.

Set three was dominated by the Wildcats as the took an early 10-2 lead and never looked back. The Hornets were unable to pull within striking distance, hitting just .086. B-CU meanwhile hit .385, its highest percentage of the game, and recorded five blocks.

Bethune-Cookman finished out the win in the fourth set. A 6-1 scoring run gave them the cushion they needed, and the Hornets were unable to rally.

• Along with her 21 kills, Alayah Rhodes had eight digs, three assists, and two blocks.
• Moriah Johnson recorded 13 kills and four blocks.
• Bethune-Cookman finished with 10 blocks total.
• Nola Hemphill and Aaniya Thornton each hade nine digs to lead the team.
• Hemphill picked up 18 assists and Kylynn White had 17.
• Kaylen Hines led the Hornets with 14 kills.
• The Wildcats .275 hitting percentage was their second-highest in any game this season.