In the Lady Tigers’ home opener Wednesday night, many passionate GSU fans filled the Hobdy Assembly Center with excitement and hopefulness for success.
After losing both meeting to University of Arkansas Pine Bluff last season, the Lady Tigers snapped their losing streak and gained their first conference win beating the Lady Golden-Lions in all three sets.
Post game head coach Keys-Johnson rejoiced on the victory.
“It feels like fire in my belly its great to finally hear those keys jingled,” said Keys-Johnson. “I think this win showed our girls that we have true team work and with team work it always brings about a win.”
GSU got off to an aggressive start displaying high energy as they scored consecutive times and accumulated a large lead halfway through the first set.
UAPB fought back and the lead shifted back and forth before the Lady Tigers took control and won their first set of the year 26-24.
The Lady Tigers seemed to feed off the crowd as they hustled and sprinted every time the ball was airborne.
Again GSU got out to a small lead and looked to control the flow of the game.
After UAPB formulated a small comeback to claw within a couple of points the Lady Tigers showed great poise and eventually won set two 26-21. After a short intermission the third set began and the gym was filled with fans cheering for victory.
UAPB had their backs against the wall and came out fighting looking to avoid dropping 6 straight matches to begin their season.
The Lady Tigers saw victory on the horizon and played hard to keep within three of UAPB. As the lead changed constantly GSU fans remained hopeful and soon it was tied at 21.
Due to great defense and discipline, the Lady Tigers took back control winning the set 26-23 and their first match of the season.
The Lady Tigers’ next match will be September 6 against Southern Methodist University in Dallas.