The Clark Atlanta University volleyball team won their sixth straight game, defeating Tuskegee University 3-1 at L.S. Epps Gymnasium Tuesday.

Clark Atlanta (9-7, 8-3 SIAC) hasn't lost a game since Sept. 28, the day they lost to Kentucky State and Tuskegee (13-10, 10-4 SIAC) during the SIAC Crossover. 

"When we played them the first time, we were not mentally prepared for that game," said CAU Head Coach Valerie Jones.  "So they came out of the gate prepared for us.  After we played that game, I said we will be better prepared when we play them the next time around."

The Lady Panthers jumped ahead early in the first set Tuesday, and then used a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 14-5.  The led by as many as ten points before taking the set 25-16.

Tuskegee battled hard in the second set, keeping things close midway as the two teams were tied 16-all.  But the Lady Panthers scored seven of the next nine points to take control of the set, winning 25-22.

The Lady Golden Tigers came jumped ahead early in the third set, extending their lead and handing CAU the first loss of a set since Sept. 28, 25-16.

The Lady Panthers took control of the match in the fourth set, jumping out to an 11-1 lead before rolling to a 23-12 victory which gave them the match.

"I think we got a little lax in game three," Jones said.  "We made a couple of changes in our lineup just to bring some more leadership back on the court.  And I think we settled down a little bit."

Ashley Elmore led CAU with eight kills and added five digs, while Kia Thomas finished with seven kills, two aces and two blocks.  Sierra Nelson has 20 assists, five digs and an ace; Brittany Warren-Dancy had six kills and four blocks; and Taylor Prude had three aces and two assists.  TiAna Crider finished with nine digs and an assist.

"It does mean a lot.  They've been working really hard," Jones said of her squad. "They understand the importance of the position in terms of going into the SIAC conference championships.    They want to make a statement this year."

The Lady Panthers are back on the court Thursday, Oct. 25 when they host Albany State at 6 p.m. in L.S. Epps Gymnasium.  Admission is free of charge.