NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State volleyball team breezed past Alcorn State in straight sets Friday evening in the Holiday Inn Express Classic – 25-8, 25-8 and 25-14.

 

Emily Johnson tallied a career-best eight aces for NSU (3-9), which is also the most by any Lady Demon this season in a single match.

 

“Emily been serving great in practice which has earned her more opportunities in the games,” said co-head coach Hugh Hernesman. “She definitely brings a very heavy ball and it was really working for her tonight.”

 

Six Lady Demons attacked for a career-high in hitting percentage against Alcorn State (1-11), including Vanessa Coleman (.875), Lauren Joyner (.500), Kelly Jimenez (.467), Mackenzie Neely (.417), Jessica Guttierrez (.300) and Johnson (.250).

 

The team also hit at a season-best mark of .424, and only commit seven errors in the entire match.

 

Individually on offense, Jimenez recorded a team high eight kills, while Joyner set a personal-best by finishing on six attacks. Coleman and Neely also registered seven and six kills, respectively.

 

“The offense looked really good tonight. We were taking advantage of our opportunities and were pleased with the overall outcome,” Hernesman said.

 

The Lady Demons also had big contributions from their setters, as Joyner dished out a season-best 16 assists and Johnson recorded a career-best with 10.

 

“It was fun watching our setters tonight. They don't get too many opportunities to run our 6-2 offense but I think they were definitely enjoying it out there,” Hernesman said.

 

On defense, Jimenez and Guttierrez each had five digs to lead the team. Guttierrez also pitched in with four kills.

 

“Jessica plays as a defensive specialist for us, but a lot of people don't realize that she was a big hitter in high school and is very talented offensively,” Hernesman said. “She's just a good all-around player, and to see her do well is very fun for us to watch.”

 

The Lady Demons held a comfortable lead the entire match, and did not drop more than two straight points until the end of the third set when leading 23-9. NSU's biggest run came in the first set, when the lead jumped from 8-3 to 18-3 with Johnson serving.

 

The Lady Demons will conclude the Holiday Inn Express Classic with a match against Arkansas State at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Prather Coliseum.