Box Score

SALISBURY, NC – The Livingstone volleyball team picked up an all-important divisional win Friday, defeating the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-21) inside New Trent Gym.

With the victory the Blue Bears improved to 10-9 overall, 6-6 in the CIAA and 2-3 in the division while the Golden Bulls fell to 6-13 overall, 4-8 in the conference and 1-4 in the southern division.

Through the first 10 points of the first set the Golden Bulls and Blue Bears were dead even at 5-5, but Livingstone then went on an 11-1 run to grab a commanding 16-6 edge over Johnson C. Smith.  The Blue Bears were able to maintain their momentum through the rest of the set and take the first set 25-12.

The beginning of the second set was again tight, but the Blue Bears came on strong late in the set.  The teams were tied at 6-6 before Livingstone went on a 6-0 run to open up a 12-6 edge.  Johnson C. Smith got back within four at 14-10 but got no closer.  Livingstone won 11 of the final 15 points to take the second set 25-14. 

The Golden Bulls came out very strong at the beginning of the third set, looking to extend the match.  Johnson C. Smith held a 12-8 advantage, which forced Livingstone to call its first timeout of the set.  Out of the timeout the Blue Bears went on a 10-2 run to open up their own 18-14 lead.  Livingstone extended its lead to 24-17, but the Golden Bulls still had some fight left.  Johnson C. Smith got back within 24-21 before the Blue Bears finished off the fifth set to take the match 3-0.

The Blue Bears were led by senior Lashaundra Ferguson who finished tallied a match-high 13 kills and .391 hitting percentage.  Senior Michelle Thompson finished with nine kills and tied for the team lead in digs with seven.  Senior Shannon Allen led with 29 assists while Lakitta Hicks had three solo and one assisted block.

As a team the Blue Bears finished with 40 kills with a .303 hitting percentage with 33 assists, 11 service aces, 34 digs and seven team blocks.  The Golden Bulls finished with 13 kills with a -.082 hitting percentage with 11 assists, 10 service aces, 31 digs and two team blocks.

The Blue Bears will be back in action on Monday when they travel to Fayetteville State for a 6 p.m. match.