FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville State will begin CIAA volleyball play Wednesday night when it hosts Winston-Salem State at 6 p.m. at Capel Arena. The matchup also marks Military Appreciation Night, with special recognition for service members in attendance.

The Broncos (4-3) are led by outside hitters Symone Morris and Chiara Vittoni, who have combined for 175 kills and nearly 200 points. Setter Giovanna Teixeira averages 7.73 assists per set and contributes offensively with a .350 hitting percentage. Libero Jasmine Culp leads the team with 103 digs, while middle blocker Amihan Johnson has recorded 20 blocks.

Winston-Salem State (3-6) counters with outside hitter Holiday Ellis, who leads the Rams with 104 kills and 122 points. Middle blocker Zoe Chesson has been dominant at the net, hitting .392 with 64 kills and 30 blocks. Setter Celina Johnson averages 6.09 assists per set, and Kalyn Cuthbertson anchors the defense with 122 digs.

Key Players to Watch:

Fayetteville State:

• Symone Morris — 89 kills, 100.5 points

• Chiara Vittoni — 86 kills, .210 hitting percentage

• Giovanna Teixeira — 201 assists, .350 hitting percentage

• Jasmine Culp — 103 digs

• Amihan Johnson — 20 blocks

Winston-Salem State:

• Holiday Ellis — 104 kills, 122 points

• Zoe Chesson — .392 hitting percentage, 30 blocks

• Celina Johnson — 207 assists

• Kalyn Cuthbertson — 122 digs

• Kamiyah Wilson — 55 kills, 28 blocks

Team Strengths:

Fayetteville State:

• Balanced scoring and efficient setting

• Strong blocking and serve-receive

Winston-Salem State:

• Net defense and individual hitting efficiency

• Aggressive serving and solid back-row coverage

Both teams are seeking their first conference win. Fayetteville State won the last meeting between the programs