ATHENS, W.Va.  – Kentucky State women's volleyball opened the Concord Classic with a straight-set loss to host Concord before narrowly falling in five sets to Bluefield State on Thursday inside the Carter Center.
 
The Thorobreds (0-6) dropped their opener to undefeated Concord (8-0) by scores of 25-7, 25-9, 25-22. Despite a slow start, KSU battled in the third set behind improved hitting, finishing with 13 kills at a .233 clip. Laila Wheaton led the attack with seven kills, while Cydne Clayton added five kills and two service aces. Defensively, Erin Grieb collected seven digs, and Kyeana Biggs posted a pair of blocks.
 
In the evening match, Kentucky State pushed Bluefield State (2-8) to the limit before falling 3-2 (25-16, 18-25, 25-8, 23-25, 15-12). The Thorobreds showed resilience, responding in the second and fourth sets to force a decisive fifth. Wheaton once again paced the offense with 10 kills and a .217 hitting percentage, while Ananiah Huguely matched her with 10 kills and a team-high 11 digs. Setter Amber Gregory distributed 22 assists and chipped in three service aces. Defensively, Zora Nooks tallied 14 digs, and the Thorobreds as a team recorded 72 digs to keep rallies alive.
 
Kentucky State returns to action Friday morning with a 9 a.m. matchup against West Virginia Wesleyan, followed by a 1 p.m. contest with Davis & Elkins as tournament play continues.
 
 
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