Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

St. Petersburg, Fla.—On day two of the Eckerd Classic Kentucky State University split its doubleheader with the University of North Carolina-Pembroke and host Eckerd College.
 
The Thorobrettes went the distance with the Braves winning 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-27, 25-18, 16-14) but dropped the last match of the invitational with the Titans 3-1 (14-25, 27-25, 17-25, 15-25)
 
KSU went 1-3 over the two days and will be back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 6 against Campbellsville University (Ky.) at 7:00 p.m. ET.
 
Game 1 KSU 3 UNCP 2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-27, 25-18, 16-14)
 
The Thorobrettes traded points in the early going of the first set with the Braves playing to a tie at eight, but KSU went on an 11-2 run to pull away. UNCP made it interesting bringing the set within one in the closing moments, but a kill by senior middle blocker Kirtrice Ploucha sealed the deal with a 25-23 set win.
 
UNCP rallied after a first set loss claiming both set two and set three. Leaving each of the first three sets decided by two points.
 
In the fourth set, the Thorobrettes jumped out to a commanding 8-3 lead and never looked back. Ploucha continued to be a terror for the Braves after slamming six kills in the match-tying set to force a fifth and final set.
 
KSU never trailed in the fifth set as UNCP were able to tie the contest twice. UNCP suffered eight errors and senior outside hitters Sherry'ce Butler and Tahje Ochs registered two kills apiece to lead the way for the set and match win. 
 
Ploucha finished the match with 20 kills on 47 total attacks, claiming a .277 hit efficiency. Butler followed with 13 kills on 30 total attacks, notching a .233 hit efficiency.
 
Senior defensive specialist Tianna Hayes led the way with 18 digs.
 
Game 2 EC 3 KSU 1 (14-25, 27-25, 17-25, 15-25)
 
KSU aimed to knock off hosting EC, but the undefeated Titans proved to be too much in the last match.
 
After dropping the first set, the Thorobrettes rallied in the second set for a 27-25 win. KSU trailed as much as six but stayed persistent, inching closer and closer throughout the set. The visiting squad made their move to take the lead at 25-24 off a Ploucha delivered an ethusiastic kill. EC tied it back up at 25, but Ploucha struck again with another kill to take the lead at 26-25. Senior right side hitter Lauren Person hammered home the final kill to take the set.
 
KSU rode the momentum into the fourth set to snatching an early 4-0 lead, but it was quickly outdone by a 17-6 run by the Titans. With a 17-10 lead,  the Titans wouldn't relinquish their spot in the driver's seat.
 
EC closed out the match in the fourth set, never trailing to KSU for a 25-15 win.
 
Sophomore middle blocker Payton Richardson executed 11 kills on 27 total attacks, earning a .296 hit efficiency. Person made the most of her opportunities with eight kills on 17 total attacks with a .471 hit efficiency.