Bowie, MD – November 23, 2025 – Fayetteville State University captured the 2025 CIAA Volleyball Championship with a commanding 3-0 sweep over Shaw University inside A.C. Jordan Arena. The Broncos earned redemption after last year's runner-up finish, defeating the Bears in straight sets by scores of 25-22, 25-22, and 25-23. The victory improves Fayetteville State's record to 21-5 overall and 15-2 in conference play, while Shaw concludes its season at 14-11 and 10-6 in the CIAA.
The championship match was a showcase of resilience and execution. Each set was tightly contested, with Shaw pushing the Broncos to the brink behind aggressive swings and scrappy defense. Fayetteville State, however, displayed championship composure, closing each frame with clutch plays at the net and steady serving. In the opening set, both teams traded points in a back-and-forth battle. Shaw posted 12 kills but committed seven errors, while FSU matched with 12 kills of its own. A late surge, fueled by Ramona Pulu's attacking presence and a pair of key blocks from Amihan Johnson, gave the Broncos the 25-22 edge.
The second set mirrored the first, with momentum swinging both ways. Shaw's offense sputtered under pressure, hitting just .083, while FSU improved to .163 behind Giovanna Teixeira's steady setting and timely kills from Pulu and Symone Morris. The Broncos closed the frame 25-22, seizing a commanding 2-0 lead. Shaw refused to fold in the third, unleashing its best offensive set with 17 kills. But Fayetteville State's composure held firm. A .184 hitting percentage and clutch defensive stops sealed the 25-23 win, sparking a celebration that echoed through A.C. Jordan Arena.
Fayetteville State finished with 35 kills and a .142 hitting percentage compared to Shaw's 39 kills and .090 efficiency. The Broncos dominated at the net with 12 blocks, doubling Shaw's total of six, and added seven service aces to keep the Bears on their heels. Ramona Pulu led the Broncos with 11 kills and 12 points, while Amihan Johnson contributed four kills, six blocks, and two aces. Symone Morris added eight kills and eight digs, and Giovanna Teixeira orchestrated the offense with 27 assists, two aces, and three blocks. Libero Jasmine Culp anchored the defense with 15 digs. For Shaw, Khamare Steppe paced the attack with nine kills, while Kya Moore added eight kills, 17 assists, three aces, and four blocks. MaKayla Brown recorded seven kills and 17 digs, and Kalia Morris led the Bears with 17 digs.
The win secures Fayetteville State's seventh CIAA volleyball title, joining championships from 1996, 1998, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2021. Head Coach Chynna Hunt guided the Broncos back to the top after falling short in 2024, cementing the program's status as a perennial powerhouse in the CIAA.
CIAA Championship All-Tournament Honors:
Symone Morris and Ramona Pulu were named to the All-Tournament Team, while setter Giovanna Teixeira earned Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors for her leadership and precision throughout the championship run.
Note of Interest: Head Coach Chynna Hunt is no stranger to championship success. As a player, Hunt was a decorated outside hitter and utility player, earning All-CIAA and All-Tournament honors in 2018. She contributed to Fayetteville State's 2019 CIAA Championship title and was part of the 2016 team that finished as conference runner-up. Her journey from standout player to championship-winning coach underscores her deep connection to the program's tradition of excellence.
Coach Hunt's Reaction:
"Winning my first championship as a head coach is truly incredible. This program means everything to me, and to bring the title back to Fayetteville State is a dream come true. We've worked so hard to build a culture of excellence, and this moment is a reflection of that commitment. Last year was about laying the foundation, and today we proved what we're capable of. I'm proud of this team and grateful for the trust this institution placed in me," said Head Coach Chynna Hunt.
Fans can relive the championship match on the CIAA Sports Network at https://theciaasn.com/?B=3158111. The CIAA Sports Network app is available for download on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV. Simply search "CIAA Sports Network" in your device's app store, install the app, and select the Volleyball Championship replay. Mobile users can also download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
What's Next: Fayetteville State now awaits its postseason fate in the NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Championship. The full 64-team bracket will be revealed during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, November 24, streamed live on NCAA.com. The single-elimination tournament will feature 23 automatic qualifiers and 41 at-large selections determined by the Division II Women's Volleyball Committee. Teams will be seeded Nos. 1-8 within eight regional sites as the road to a national title begins.
