Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Birmingham, Ala.—Kentucky State University volleyball began the 2017 edition of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship Tournament much like it has each of the last four previous seasons, by going 2-0 on opening day.

The Thorobrettes (24-12, 15-4) took down Benedict College with a 3-0 sweep, followed by a 3-1 defeat of Clark Atlanta University. KSU is three wins away from tying the all-time wins in a season mark at 27, set back in 2003.

"Great first day," said head coach Katrina English. "We are executing the game plan and being aggressive on defense. I look for improvements in serving and blocking. I continue to feel we have what it takes to be number one."

KSU will take on Albany State University on Thursday at 2 pm ET. If the Thorobrettes pick up the win against the Lady Golden Rams, they will be placed in the championship game as the representative from the winner's bracket, set for Friday.

KSU 3 BC 0

The green and gold trailed three times in the match, and neither of three occasions exceeded a deficit of more than two points. All three sets were decided by seven or more points as the Thorobrettes controlled the tempo throughout the morning.

Sophomore setter Hannah Smyers picked up her sixth double-double of the year with game-highs in assists with 37 and digs with 13.

Freshman outside hitter Robin Poole led the team in kills at 14 and finished one dig shy of a double-double at nine.

KSU 3 CAU 1

Smyers continued to dominate as the resident of Needville, Texas collected her second double-double in as many games of the tournament with game-highs in assists at 43 and digs with 17.

The Thorobrettes cruised through the first two sets at 25-11 and 25-18, but the Lady Panthers fought back in the third set, forcing extra play, and eventually pulling off the win at 29-27. The fourth and final set saw a close encounter, but KSU never trailed in the 25-23 victory, putting an end to an impressive day for the defending conference tournament champs.

After coming up a dig short of a double-double, Poole made good on her prior effort with a game-high 16 kills and 10 digs. Second team all-conference junior middle blocker Landri Greathouse notched 11 kills and four key blocks, while her counterpart freshman middle blocker Jaylnn Roberts added a season-high 15 kills.