FORT VALLEY, Ga. – The Fort Valley State University Lady Wildcats displayed resilience and determination Tuesday evening as they hosted Middle Georgia State University at the Health and Physical Education Complex. Despite a competitive effort, Fort Valley State fell in three sets (22-25, 14-25, 27-29), with the Lady Wildcats pushing the final set beyond regulation in an exciting finish.
Fort Valley State opened the match with an aggressive approach, keeping the opening set competitive behind contributions from several players. The Lady Wildcats battled back from an early deficit to tie the set at 22 before Middle Georgia State secured the final three points. The second set presented challenges for Fort Valley State, but the team continued to compete and make adjustments heading into the third.
Dakotah Holmes led the Lady Wildcats offensively with six kills, seven digs, one service ace and one block assist. Reagan Mann continued to provide leadership as the team's primary setter, recording 22 assists and six digs while helping distribute the offense. Defensively, Naoma Yancey contributed a team-high eight digs and two service aces, providing stability in the back row.
Additional offensive production came from Shamora Scott, who delivered five kills on six attempts for an impressive .833 hitting percentage while adding a solo block. Micah Robinson made an immediate impact with four kills on seven attempts, finishing with a .571 hitting percentage. Morgan Ansley also contributed four kills, while Jalayah Hamby added three kills on four attempts without an attack error.
The Lady Wildcats showed their strongest offensive performance in the third set, recording 15 kills and a .289 hitting percentage. After trailing 18-11, Fort Valley State rallied behind timely attacks from Robinson, Scott and Holmes to take a 24-23 lead. The teams continued exchanging points in a tightly contested finish, with the Lady Wildcats extending the set before Middle Georgia State ultimately secured the 29-27 victory.
Despite the outcome, Fort Valley State demonstrated its ability to respond under pressure, finishing the evening with 32 kills, 32 assists, 29 digs and five total team blocks. The Lady Wildcats now hold a 10-14 overall record and remain 9-6 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.
As the season progresses, Fort Valley State will look to build on its late-match offensive momentum, strengthen its consistency and continue competing as it prepares for the remainder of its schedule. With experienced leadership and emerging contributors stepping forward, the Lady Wildcats remain focused on finishing the season strong.
