BOWIE, MD – Fayetteville State University squared off against Shaw University for its' 16th CIAA Championship berth this Sunday on the campus of Bowie State University in the AC Jordan Arena. The Broncos (18-5 overall) fell short of an eighth CIAA title with a 3-0 (24-26, 24-26, 14-25) loss to the Shaw Bears.

Junior Chiara Vittoni secured a triple-double with ten kills, 15 digs, and 13 assists. Graduate student and All-CIAA performer Jourdan Page also added ten kills to help the offense. On the defensive end, sophomore and CIAA Defensive Player of the Year Jasmine Culp chipped in with 13 digs. All three were named to the CIAA All-Tournament Team.

"It was a very close game," said first-year Head Volleyball Coach Chynna Hunt. "A very exciting game! I am very proud of my girls for coming out and fighting extremely hard to the finish. This definitely was a lesson learned. I am excited to rebuild for next year. Every one of them should be proud of themselves."

The Broncos dropped a tight first set, losing 26-24 in a game that was tied eight times and had three lead changes. FSU led 24-22 until the Bears finished the set on a 4-0 run.

Fayetteville State then dropped the second set 26-24 to fall behind in the match two sets to none. The Broncos couldn't endure a furious Shaw rally in the second set, losing after leading by seven points at 13-6 earlier in the set. FSU would later lead 22-18 and 24-20.

Following a competitive start, the Bears extended its lead to 10-4 with a 5-1 run. Fayetteville State trailed by as many as 11 points as Shaw pressed on with three more runs. Shaw finished off the sweep with a set-three win for its second consecutive Championship title. The Broncos fell in a tough set 25-14.