The #2 Philander Smith Lady Panthers defeated #3 Fisk University Volleyball (19-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-27) in Saturday's semi-final round of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament (GCAC), bringing an end to the 2022 Season for the Lady Bulldogs.
GCAC honor mention recipient freshman Nyla Troncoso (FR/White Plains, NY) led the Lady Bulldog offense with 16 Kills and added five blocks. Senior Ryann Reed (SR/Arlington, TX) closed out the final match of her career with 14 kills and two blocks. GCAC second-team honoree senior setter Tiana Dalton (SR/Nashville, TN) also closed out her last career match with a double-double earning 40 assists and 18 digs. Defender of the year and first-team all-conference award winner libero Jadyn Brackins (JR/Spring Hill, TN) led the defense with 20 digs.
The Lady Bulldogs started down, dropping the first two sets against Philander Smith. "You have to give Philander credit," said Head Coach Jessica Enderle. "They have been playing very consistently late in the season. We were slow to make adjustments, and Philander took advantage of that." However, the Lady Bulldogs took back control in the third set. "Our offense came alive in set three, and they started to settle in a move the ball around," said Enderle.
Philander took the lead in the fourth set, but Lady Bulldogs battled their way to take over the lead following a kill by Reed. The teams fought back and forth; however, the Lady Panthers were too much for the Bulldogs.
#2 Philander Smith will advance to the GCAC finals to face conference tournament host #1 Dillard University. The match will occur on Sunday, November 6th, at 2:00 pm. The event will be live-streamed via the HBCU League Pass app.
The Lady Bulldogs close out the 2022 season with a 19-20 overall record, going 9-5 in conference play. Furthermore, the Lady Bulldogs finished #3 in the regular season and conference tournament play.
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