ATLANTA, GA | The Morehouse Maroon Tigers faced a tough matchup against the Benedict Tigers at Frank L. Forbes Arena, ultimately falling in three straight sets (25-23, 25-18, 25-21).
In the opening set, the Maroon Tigers kept the score tight, staying competitive throughout. Despite their strong offense, marked by 15 kills and a hitting percentage of .219, late errors allowed Benedict to edge out a narrow victory, 25-23. Aidan Pullian's crucial kills kept Morehouse close, including back-to-back points that narrowed the gap to 24-23 before Benedict secured the set.
The second set saw Benedict taking early control, building momentum with effective blocking and timely kills. Morehouse's offense remained efficient with a hitting percentage of .345 and 14 kills, but errors in serving and defense cost them dearly, leading to a 25-18 loss. Charles Parrish Jr.'s key service ace briefly tied the set at 4-4, but Benedict's subsequent scoring run proved decisive.
The third and final set demonstrated resilience from Morehouse, fighting through ten ties and three lead changes. The Maroon Tigers delivered 12 kills but struggled with consistency, as reflected by their .133 hitting percentage. Benedict capitalized on these lapses to close out the match, 25-21. Daniel Allen's strategic service ace contributed to a brief Morehouse lead at 12-11, showcasing their competitive spirit.
Statistical leaders for Morehouse included:
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Aidan Pullian: 15 kills (.545 hitting percentage), 1 service ace, and 1 block assist.
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Charles Parrish Jr.: 8 kills, 1 service ace, and 3 digs.
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Braylon Dyson: 7 kills (.357 hitting percentage) and 3 digs.
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Daniel Allen: 5 kills, 10 assists, 1 service ace, and 7 digs.
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Jamar Shackleford Jr.: Led the team with 26 assists, adding 5 digs.
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Johnathan Pitts: Contributed with 3 kills, 1 service ace, and 2 total blocks.
Despite the loss, Morehouse showed promising signs of offensive potential, with a total of 41 kills and a .231 hitting percentage. Notable moments included strategic offensive plays and rallying efforts led by Pullian and Allen. The Maroon Tigers will look to build upon these strengths and improve consistency as they close out SIAC competition. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.
