Alabama State Beats Alcorn State as Saiki Reaches 500-Assist Mark

Alabama State Beats Alcorn State as Saiki Reaches 500-Assist Mark

by

Daylin Saiki recorded 23 assists on Friday evening to become the first Alcorn State player since 2019 to surpass 500 assists in a single season.

Despite Saiki’s historic milestone, the Lady Braves fell to Alabama State in straight sets, 25-18, 25-14, and 25-19, at Lockhart Gymnasium, Alcorn State University Athletics reported.

The loss moves Alcorn State to a 5-20 record and 5-10 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play, while Alabama State improves to 9-19 and 7-8 in the conference. The match was defined by a highly competitive opening set that saw nine ties and five lead changes before the Hornets pulled away.

Saiki’s performance was the standout individual achievement of the night. By reaching the 500-assist threshold, she joins Jasmine Chambers as the most recent Lady Brave to achieve such a feat, with Chambers recording 543 assists during the 2019 campaign. In addition to her 23 assists, Saiki contributed three service aces and five digs.

The offensive load for Alcorn State was shared among several players. Rylan Jones led the team with nine kills, followed by Courtney Carter, who tallied seven kills, three digs, and a service ace. Jaylynn McNeill added four kills to the Lady Braves’ total.

Alabama alabama state silhouette transparent

Alabama State countered Alcorn State’s individual efforts with a balanced and highly efficient attack. Kaylen Hines led all players in the match with 12 kills, maintaining a .706 hitting percentage. Alexis Williams and Amaya Robinson each contributed 11 kills to secure the sweep.

The statistical breakdown of the match highlights the momentum shifts experienced by both teams:

Statistic Alcorn State Alabama State
Total Service Aces 7 6
Match Ties 10 —
Lead Changes 6 —

The first set was the most tightly contested portion of the evening. Alcorn State utilized a service ace from Saiki and a kill from McNeill to overcome an 8-5 deficit and eventually take a 14-12 lead. However, Alabama State responded with nine consecutive points to win the set 25-18.

In the second set, Alcorn State jumped to an early 3-0 lead behind a combined block from Bailey Upshaw and Carter, as well as a service ace from Carter. Alabama State eventually regained control, extending a lead to 15-7 and finishing the set 25-14.

The Lady Braves attempted a late-game rally in the third set. After trailing 14-7, Alcorn State scored four straight points to pull within 14-11. This run included a kill from Carter and back-to-back service aces from Kasey Watkins. Despite a late push that brought the score to 24-19, Alabama State closed out the match with a final kill.

Defensively, Alcorn State relied on Tomoni Giddings and Alexis Burton, who recorded five digs each. Bailey Upshaw contributed two block assists during the contest, while Kasey Watkins provided energy from the service line with three aces and four digs.

The Lady Braves will conclude their 2026 regular season on Sunday, Nov. 15, in an away game against Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Ala., with the first serve scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.

Worth a look

Read next