WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Fayetteville State closed its regular season with a 3-0 loss to Winston-Salem State (25-22, 26-24, 25-14) Monday at Whitaker Gymnasium. The Broncos finished the regular season 18-5 overall and 14-2 in CIAA play, while the Rams improved to 16-9 overall and 13-3 in the conference.
Fayetteville State was led by
Symone Morris, who posted a double-double with 13 kills and 14 digs.
Giovanna Teixeira added five kills and a match-high 24 assists, while
Jasmine Culp paced the defense with 15 digs.
Amihan Johnson contributed two blocks, and
Courtlynn Edwards served two aces.
Winston-Salem State was paced by Holiday Ellis, who recorded 13 kills, three blocks and an ace. Zaria Keys dished out 17 assists and added an ace, while Celina Johnson had 15 assists. Kalyn Cuthbertson anchored the defense with 17 digs, and Jewel Pitt chipped in 11 digs.
Set 1: Winston-Salem State pulled ahead late after breaking a 19-18 tie and closed out the opener 25-22. The set featured six ties before the Rams took control.
Set 2: The Broncos battled in a back-and-forth second frame that saw eight ties and four lead changes, but Winston-Salem State edged out a 26-24 win to go up 2-0.
Set 3: The Rams dominated the final set, using an early 9-8 advantage to spark a decisive run and win 25-14. Fayetteville State trailed by as many as 11 points.
Fayetteville State awaits its opponent for the CIAA Volleyball Championship quarterfinals. The tournament will be held Nov. 21-23 at Bowie State University in Bowie, MD.
