Box Score FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State volleyball team pulled out a dramatic five set victory, avenging an early season loss in the process in a 3-2 win over Asbury on Tuesday at the Exum Center.

The Thorobrettes fell behind after losing the first set 25-21 before bouncing back with 25-19 and 25-18 wins in the second and third sets, respectively. Asbury evened the match with a 25-18 win in the fourth set, but Kentucky State was in control throughout the decisive fifth set, winning 15-8.

The first set was closely contested, but Asbury took control with three straight points to go up 20-16 before holding on for the win. Despite dropping the first set and having lost 3-0 to Asbury in a Sept. 19 meeting, the Thorobrettes did not go away. With the second set tied at 16, the Thorobrettes pulled away in the set by winning seven of the next eight points, including back-to-back kills by Payton Richardson and back-to-back aces by Kiara Rivera.

Kentucky State got back-to-back aces by Anjelique Kyle as part of an 8-2 surge in the third set that helped it build a 21-12 lead before finishing the set and taking a 2-1 lead in the match. Asbury evened the match at two sets each by taking an early lead and holding on in the fourth set, but the fifth set was all Kentucky State. The Thorobrettes jumped out to a 12-4 lead after consecutive kills by Micah Rogers, then, after allowing Asbury to cut the margin to 12-8, closed out the match with a kill by Richardson, an ace by Rivera, and a kill by Kirtrice Ploucha.

Four Kentucky State players recorded double digit kills in the match, led by Rogers with 15, with Ploucha, Richardson, and Tahje Ochs tallying 13, 11, and 10, respectively. Kyle picked up a season-high eight aces while also leading the team with 44 assists and 13 digs. Rivera had 13 digs to tie Kyle for the team lead, while also recording three aces. Asbury's Kellianne Crouse led all players with 17 kills.

Kentucky State improves to 19-10 on the season with the win, while Asbury drops to 21-12 with the loss. The Thorobrettes play their final home game of the regular season when they host St. Catharine on Thursday at the Exum Center.