COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Allen University volleyball team rallied after dropping the first set to defeat SIAC foe Fort Valley St. 3-1 on Monday evening from Adams Gym.

Freshman outside hitter Maliyah Spencer led the Jackets with 18 kills, 2 aces, and 2 blocks while hitting .233 along with junior OH Natalia Maciejewska who recorded 11 kills and hit .290.

FVSU won the first set 25-22 before Allen rallied from behind in the second set to steal it 25-22 on 12 kills. Allen then hit .273 in the third set with 15 kills to outpace the Wildcats 25-22 again.

Allen then dominated the fourth set 25-14 to clinch the match hitting .267 with 12 kills. AU totaled 49 kills in the match and hit .185 as a team. Freshman RS Cadence Leaks also played well tallying 9 kills and 2 blocks and hit .214.

Defensively, Allen was led by tremendous freshman libero Jayla Neely as she recorded her third straight 20+ dig effort registering 23 on the night along with 7 assists and an ace. Junior setter Kayla Chambliss also had a nice night grabbing 37 assists along with 4 kills, 2 aces, and 13 digs for another double-double. Freshman MH Jani Smith posted a quality game as well with 6 kills, 4 blocks, 2 digs, and an ace while freshman DS Mattie Riddick recorded a season-high of 13 digs.

Allen improves to 11-10 on the season and 5-7 in the SIAC while dropping FVSU to 4-18 and 2-12 in the conference.
Allen will. next head to Charlotte to battle Johnson & Wales on Thursday at 7 pm.