BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (September 12, 2026) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team remains undefeated after defeating Jacksonville State in a three-set match at the Samford Invitational on Saturday in Birmingham, Ala.
North Alabama (10-0) had a dominant 3-0 win over Jacksonville State, marking the ninth sweep in 10 matches this season. As a result, UNA starts 10-0 for the first time since 2005. The Lions controlled the match from start to finish, finishing with a .292 hitting percentage compared to the Gamecock's .053.
Offensively, North Alabama recorded 46 kills on 106 attacks, while Jacksonville State (1-7) finished with 24 kills on 95 attacks with 19 errors. The offense improved each set and hit for an impressive .400 in the third set.
Leading the offense was junior Reese Ricketts, who recorded 13 kills to hit .280. She also added three aces and 11 digs for a team high 16.0 points. Senior Phoebe Reyes Fortunato followed with 12 kills to hit .360, while junior Dylann Garner contributed nine kills.
The Lions had another strong performance from junior setter Kinslee McGowan, who finished with 30 assists and had her second double-double in two days with 10 digs.
Defensively, UNA recorded 47 digs with help from senior Ava Martindale, who had 10.
The last time North Alabama defeated Jacksonville State was in 1998, when the Lions defeated the Gamecocks 3-1.
SET 1: UNA 25, JSU 18
The Lions battled through a back-and-forth first set before gaining control late. After Jacksonville State held a 15-12 lead, North Alabama responded with a 6-0 run to gain a three-point lead, sparked by back-to-back kills from Ricketts. This Lions continued to grow the lead, closing the set on a kill from Garner to claim the first set.
SET 2: UNA 25, JSU 13
The Lions took control early in the second set and used a 7-0 run following a tie to gain a 7-2 lead. UNA gained a huge 11-point lead, including back-to-back kills from Reyes Fortunato, to go up 24-11. She senior later delivered the final kill to go up 2-0 on the Gamecocks.
SET 3: UNA 25, JSU 17
UNA came out firing in the third set, immediately going up 5-0 with back-to-back service aces from Ricketts and a kill from Garner. Jacksonville State battled back to shorten the Lions lead to just two, but the Lions responded with four straight points including back-to-back kills from sophomore Jenna Kolosta. Jacksonville State tried to trim the lead late to 23-16, but a kill from McGowan and attack error from the Gamecocks acquired the Lions 10th straight win.
UP NEXT
North Alabama continues its road stint in Tallahassee, Fla. where they will face Florida State on Monday, Sept. 14 at 5 p.m. CT in Tully Gym.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
