The 46th CIAA
Volleyball Championship culminates today with a Southern Division showdown between Fayetteville State University and Shaw University inside A.C. Jordan Arena. Both programs earned their spot through grit and talent, setting the stage for a clash of experience versus ambition.
Fayetteville State Broncos (20-5, 15-2 CIAA)
The Broncos return to the title match for the second straight year under Head Coach Chynna, aiming to avenge last season's runner-up finish. FSU boasts a storied CIAA legacy with six championships (1996, 1998, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021) and numerous runner-up finishes, including 2024.
Team Profile:
- Kills per set: 11.9
- Hitting percentage: .212
- Blocks per set: 1.7
- Digs per set: 14.2
- Service aces per set: 1.9
Key Players:
Recent Performance:
In the semifinal win over Virginia State (3–1), Morris led with 14 kills and 13 digs, supported by Ramona Pulu (12 kills) and Amori Johnson (11 kills). Teixeira added 15 assists and three aces, while the Johnson duo combined for 10 blocks.
Shaw Bears (14-10, 10-6 CIAA)
Under first-year Head Coach Jailynn Hunt, Shaw has embraced a fearless identity, rallying past Bowie State in a five-set thriller to reach its third straight CIAA final.
Team Profile:
- Kills per set: 8.8
- Hitting percentage: .237
- Blocks per set: 0.8
- Digs per set: 11.7
- Service aces per set: 5.5 (aggressive serving is a major weapon)
Key Players:
- Makayla Brown (OH): 174 kills (2.72 K/S), .139 hitting %, 12 kills in semifinal
- Leana Gould (OH): 6 kills per match, 9 service aces in recent games
- Kya Moore (S): 386 assists, 30 aces; also posted 14 kills in October matchup vs FSU
- Asia Olivera (OH): .563 hitting %, 13 points in recent matches
- Kalia Morris (L): 231 digs; team-high 23 digs in last meeting with FSU
Recent Performance:
In the semifinal against Bowie State, Gould and Brown powered the offense, while Moore and Morris anchored the rhythm and defense. Shaw's serving game (33 aces in two matches) remains a critical advantage.
Head-to-Head Notes
-
Oct. 27 (Raleigh, NC): Fayetteville State rallied from a 2–1 deficit to stun Shaw in five sets (12–25, 25–18, 21–25, 25–17, 18–16).
- FSU Leaders: Symone Morris (17 kills, 10 digs), Ramona Pulu (13 kills), Giovanna Teixeira (42 assists, 4 aces), Chantiya Johnson & Courtlynn Edwards (5 blocks each).
- Shaw Leaders: MaKayla Brown (15 kills), Kya Moore (14 kills, 29 assists), Leana Gould (10 kills), Kalia Morris (23 digs, 3 aces).
- FSU dominated blocks (11–2), while Shaw excelled in aces (13–7).
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Nov. 6 (Fayetteville, NC): Fayetteville State celebrated Senior Night with a 3–1 win over Shaw (18–25, 25–23, 25–20, 25–22).
- FSU Leaders: Symone Morris (20 kills), Ramona Pulu (14 kills), Chantiya Johnson (7 kills), Jasmine Culp (17 digs), Giovanna Teixeira (36 assists).
- Shaw Leaders: Leana Gould (11 kills), MaKayla Brown & Sydni Hunter (8 kills each), Justus Alexander (26 assists), Kalia Morris (14 digs).
- Shaw opened strong, but FSU responded with three straight sets to seal the win.
Watch Live
Catch all the action on the CIAA Sports Network:
👉 Watch Live Here
How to Watch on Your Smart TV or Digital Device:
- Download the CIAA Sports Network App
- Available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
- Search "CIAA Sports Network" in your device's app store.
- Install and Open the App, then select the Volleyball Championship stream.
- You can also watch on mobile by downloading the app from Google Play or Apple App Store.
