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Philander Smith Sweeps Wiley in Straight Sets for Convincing Win

Philander Smith Sweeps Wiley in Straight Sets for Convincing Win

Philander Smith College (AR) delivered a commanding performance, defeating Wiley College (TX) in straight sets, 25-18, 25-11, and 25-16, on September 19, 2024, at Alumni Gymnasium in Marshall, Texas. With this win, Philander Smith improved to 8-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while Wiley remained winless at 0-6 overall and 0-3 in the conference.

Dominant Offense and Steady Defense Lead Philander Smith

Philander Smith showcased their superior attacking prowess, finishing the match with an impressive .215 hitting percentage. Zarea Winn spearheaded the offensive effort with a team-high 7 kills, while Ja'Niya Sanders added 5 kills, contributing to the team's efficient and balanced attack.

On the defensive side, Christlove Lauture anchored the back row with 12 digs, effectively neutralizing Wiley's offensive attempts. Maya Jones and De'Niya Johnson were also solid contributors with 7 digs apiece, helping maintain the team's defensive stability.

Wiley Struggles to Keep Pace

Despite the loss, Wiley College had some bright spots in their performance. Jae Jemmott led the team with 6 kills, but it wasn't enough to overcome the relentless pressure from Philander Smith's front line. On defense, Maria Guinyard stood out with a match-high 14 digs, showing resilience against a strong Philander Smith offense.

Match Recap

From the outset, Philander Smith controlled the pace of the game, taking the first set 25-18 by capitalizing on strong serves and well-coordinated attacks. Wiley struggled to find their rhythm, especially in the second set, where Philander Smith dominated with a 25-11 scoreline. The third set followed a similar pattern, with Philander Smith cruising to a 25-16 win to close out the match.

Philander Smith's balanced approach, combining a potent offense with disciplined defense, proved too much for Wiley to handle. The visitors left Marshall with a comfortable straight-set victory, boosting their confidence as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.