JACKSON, Tenn. — The LeMoyne-Owen College women's volleyball team got its first taste of competition this weekend, traveling to Jackson, Tennessee, to compete in the Jackson State Community College Exhibition Tournament. While the Lady Magicians finished the tournament with a 1-2 record, the final results only told part of the story.

    With a roster featuring five new freshmen and three added transfers, head coach MJayee Johnson entered the tournament knowing her new-look team would need time to find its rhythm. Throughout the day; however, LeMoyne-Owen showed plenty of grit and determination, improving with each match and ending the tournament with its best performance of the day.

    The Lady Magicians opened against Northwest Mississippi Community College, falling 3-0. Northwest Mississippi came out firing early and put LOC on its heels, but the Lady Magicians refused to fold. As the match progressed, they settled in and continued to battle, keeping sets competitive despite still learning how to play alongside one another in live competition.

    That fight carried into the second match against Williams Baptist University. Williams Baptist brought immediate energy and offensive pressure that caught LOC off guard in the opening set. The Lady Magicians leaned on their veteran presence to settle the team and regain its composure, but Williams Baptist ultimately came away with a 3-0 victory.

    Despite two losses to begin the tournament, there was no shortage of fight left in LeMoyne-Owen.

    The final match of the day featured LOC against tournament host Jackson State Community College, with both teams searching for their first victory. From the opening serve, the urgency was evident.

    The Lady Magicians displayed a different defensive identity in the match-up. Players sacrificed their bodies to keep rallies alive, came up with difficult digs and delivered timely blocks at the net. LOC's defensive pressure made scoring difficult for the Green Jays, while the Lady Magicians' hitters began finding openings and creating some magic of their own.

    This time, the fight paid off.

    LeMoyne-Owen defeated Jackson State CC 2-1 to close the tournament on a high note and earn its first exhibition victory of the season.

    One of the most encouraging parts of the weekend was the continued development of the team. The Lady Magicians looked more comfortable with one another after every match as communication improved and players began settling into their roles.

    Sophomore Madelyn Ross provided an impressive all-around showing. Ross consistently put her teammates in position to score with quality assists, but she was not afraid to become an offensive threat herself. She delivered several impressive kills throughout the tournament and gave LOC another weapon when points were needed.

    True freshman Makayla Smith also made an immediate impression. The Houston, Texas native looked anything but overwhelmed by her first collegiate competition. Smith brought an unmistakable spark whenever she stepped onto the floor. She played with confidence, effort and an energy that quickly spread throughout the team. Her performance offered an early glimpse of the impact she could make for the Lady Magicians this season.

    For Johnson and her young roster, the weekend was about much more than wins and losses. It was an opportunity to compete, learn and begin building chemistry before the regular season arrives. By the final match, the progress was difficult to miss.

    The Lady Magicians will have one more opportunity to sharpen their game before the regular season begins when they host Bethel University on Saturday, Aug. 22 @ 3:00 PM, for their final exhibition match of the season.

    Magician Nation, come out and support the Lady Magicians as they return home and continue preparing for the 2026 season!