BOWIE, Md. – Fayetteville State Volleyball is championship-bound once again. The Broncos punched their ticket to the CIAA Volleyball Championship match with a hard-fought four-set win over Virginia State (25-17, 25-13, 19-25, 25-21) on Saturday afternoon inside A.C. Jordan Arena. The victory improves FSU's overall record to 20-5 and underscores their dominance in conference play.
From the opening serve, Fayetteville State set the tone. The Broncos never trailed in the first set, jumping out to an early lead and cruising to a 25-17 win behind a balanced attack and three service aces. In the second set, FSU showcased its offensive efficiency, hitting an impressive .452 with 15 kills and just one attack error. That performance powered the Broncos to a commanding 25-13 victory and a 2-0 match lead.
Virginia State refused to go quietly, capitalizing on Fayetteville State miscues to take the third set 25-19. The Trojans built a six-point cushion midway through the frame and held off a late FSU rally to extend the match. But the Broncos responded with poise in the fourth. Behind a strong defensive front that recorded four blocks, Fayetteville State regained control and closed out the match with a 25-21 win.
Symone Morris led the way for the Broncos with a stellar double-double, tallying 14 kills and 13 digs. She was joined by Ramona Pulu (12 kills) and Amori Johnson (11 kills), giving FSU three attackers in double figures. Setter Giovanna Teixeira directed the offense with 15 assists and added three service aces, while Jasmine Culp anchored the back row with 13 digs. At the net, Johnson and Chantiya Johnson combined for 10 blocks to stifle the Trojan attack.
Fayetteville State finished the match with 46 kills, 33 assists, and nine blocks, while holding Virginia State to a .096 hitting percentage. The Broncos also had three players reach double figures in digs, showcasing their defensive depth.
This victory continues Fayetteville State's tradition of excellence in CIAA volleyball. The Broncos have been a perennial powerhouse in the conference, claiming four CIAA championships since 2009, including back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. Under head coach Chynna Hunt, FSU has built a reputation for strong defense and balanced offensive play, consistently ranking among the league leaders in blocks and hitting percentage.
Fayetteville State will now look to add another trophy to its collection and secure a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament, where they have represented the CIAA with pride in recent years.
Next Up: The Broncos will face the winner of the other semifinal between Shaw and Bowie State in the CIAA Championship on Sunday at A.C. Jordan Arena, with first serve scheduled for 12:00 PM.
