TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida A&M volleyball team put together a strong effort on both sides of the net but came up just short in a competitive four-set match against Alabama A&M on Sunday at the Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. The Rattlers showed offensive balance throughout the contest, highlighted by a standout performance from Farah Farooq, who led the attack with 15 kills and a .667 hitting percentage. 

The Rattlers delivered a well-rounded performance highlighted by a double-double from Ladonna Trantham, who notched 11 kills and 11 digs to pace the team. Farah Farooq fueled the offense with 15 powerful kills, keeping FAMU's attack rolling throughout the match. On the defensive end, Sydney Humes anchored the back row with nine digs, while Yaricel Rodriguez added two key blocks to bolster the Rattlers' front-line effort. 

Game Notes 

• Florida A&M had three players in double figures in kills. 
• Ladonna Trantham registered a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs 
• Farah Farooq had a team-high 15 kills for Florida A&M. 
• Florida A&M got a team-high 11 digs from Ladonna Trantham. 
• Florida A&M attackers were helped by a match-high 41 assists from Makenzie Taylor. 

How It Happened 

SET 1 | The Rattlers came out firing and set the tone early, taking command from the very first point to secure a dominant 25-18 victory in the opening set. Florida A&M built a commanding lead of nine points at 23-14 and never let up, showcasing strong momentum and energy. The Rattlers' offensive rhythm was complemented by four service aces, adding an extra spark to their impressive first-set performance. 

SET 2 | Florida A&M battled hard in a tightly contested second set but ultimately fell 25-20, evening the match at one apiece. The Rattlers showed grit throughout, keeping pressure on the Bulldogs. Despite the setback, FAMU's intensity and resilience kept the momentum within reach heading into the next frame. 

SET 3 | Florida A&M came out dominant in the third set, storming to a commanding 15-3 lead behind sharp execution and strong teamwork. However, despite the Rattlers' early control and high energy, Alabama A&M mounted a late rally to narrowly edge out the set 26-24, putting FAMU down 2-1 in the match. The Rattlers' explosive start showcased their potential and intensity as they looked to regroup for the next set. 

SET 4 | Florida A&M battled with determination in a tightly contested fourth set but came up just short, falling 25-22 to close out the match. The Rattlers showcased their competitive spirit, keeping the crowd on edge throughout. Neither team gained more than a four-point advantage, underscoring the intensity and resilience of FAMU's effort to the very end.