COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Allen University Volleyball team squeaked out a thrilling 5-set win over Paine College (Ga.) on Tuesday night from Adams Gymnasium.

AU dominated the first set en route to a 25-16 win before rallying to defeat the Lions 27-25 in the second set on 15 kills. Unfortunately, Paine came back to edge Allen 27-25 in a tight third set before also controlling the fourth set to win 25-21. The Jackets then got out to a strong 10-5 lead in the final set before holding off the Lions to take the match 16-14 on 7 kills hitting .160.

AU totaled 52 kills in the match on a .091 hitting percentage while Paine had 50 kills and hit .132. Allen was led by freshman SIAC Rookie of the Week Maliyah Spencer's season-high 21 kills and 1 block while she hit an impressive .260. Junior setter Kayla Chambliss also had a standout game setting her new season high with 45 assists, 4 aces, 6 digs, and a block.

Freshman Libero Jayla Neely led the team with 22 digs and a team-high 5 aces in the win while freshman middle Jani Smith recorded 6 kills, 2 blocks, and 9 digs. Junior OH Natalia Maciejewska also posted 8 kills with 2 blocks while fellow junior middle Marlaysia Westbrook totaled 5 kills, 2 blocks, and 6 digs. Freshman RS Cadence Leaks registered 7 kills and a block as well while freshman DS Mattie Riddick also posted 9 digs with a kill and an ace.

Allen improves to 10-9 on the year while dropping PC to 1-14. AU returns to the court on Thursday when they remain home to host Johnson & Wales University in non-conference action at 6:30 PM.