In a week where “intensity” was stressed at every practice and weightroom workout, the Lady Bulldogs stepped onto the courts at Alabama State with that message in mind.

“We played much more intense this week,” commented coach Thomas Colvin.  “Adande and Shingy did a great job in getting them ready to play and it showed.”

In a more intense effort, the Lady Bulldogs took charge early and never gave the Lady Hornets any room to breathe.

The doubles point was decided early as the Lady Bulldogs played solid in every aspect…strong serves, solid returns, crisp volleys, and consistent overheads.

“We had a few hiccups in doubles, but they were minor things like positioning on the return or shot selection.  We’ve got to keep working to play past those things, but it was good enough today.”

The #1 doubles team of Johnson/Jelks secured an 8-0 win while #2’s Cherry/Mixon surrendered only 1 game in their 8-1 win to secure the doubles point.

Since the Lady Bulldogs only travelled with 5 players, Yemurai Muskwe was able to start her match while the doubles was being played.  She started the singles scoring for the Ladies of A&M with a 6-0, 6-0 win at #5 singles.  From there, freshman Jasmine Cherry won 6-1, 6-0 at #4 singles followed shortly after by freshman Te’Isha Mixon at #3 with a 6-0, 6-0 win.  The wins were the first collegiate wins for the two freshmen.

Senior Me’Shala Johnson, in her final campaign, won 6-2, 6-1, and junior Brittany Jelks, in a way that only she can do, was last off the court with a 6-0, 6-3 win.

“Watching Brittany play can be misleading,” Colvin said.  “She always seems to be struggling, and only watching a couple of points and games at a time, I had no idea that the match was not that close. She got a win today for us and that's what really counts.”

“I think this was a much better effort this week.  We still have some things to improve on, but its good to see improvement.”

The Lady Bulldogs will next travel to play Kennesaw State and Savannah State on February 13.