SALISBURY, NC — Fayetteville State rallied from a first-set loss to defeat Livingstone College 3-1 (19-25, 25-17, 25-9, 25-22) in a CIAA volleyball match-up Monday night, powered by a dynamic performance from setter Giovanna Teixeira and outside hitter Symone Morris.

Livingstone (6-4, 1-1 CIAA) opened the match with confidence, taking the first set behind a powerful offensive display from Love Riley. Riley delivered a series of kills and two service aces, including a late-set flurry that pushed the Blue Bears ahead 19-14. Justyce McKennie set the tone with crisp assists, while Destiny Drakeford and Jessica Lawson contributed key blocks to secure the 25-19 win.

Fayetteville State (5-4, 1-1 CIAA) responded in the second set with a more disciplined attack. Morris and Jasmine Culp combined for multiple kills, and Culp closed the frame with back-to-back service aces. Teixeira distributed 13 assists in the set, helping the Broncos capitalize on Livingstone's attack errors to take the set 25-17.

The third set was all Fayetteville State, as the Broncos dominated 25-9. Morris continued her offensive tear with four kills and a service ace, while Teixeira added five assists and a kill of her own. Livingstone struggled to find rhythm, committing eight attack errors and two service errors, allowing the Broncos to cruise to a commanding lead.

Set four was a back-and-forth battle, with Livingstone mounting a late rally to pull within one at 23-22. Riley and Mackenzie Morgan sparked the comeback with kills and a service ace, while Mya Dalpiaz added a clutch kill to keep the Blue Bears alive. But Fayetteville State held firm, with Vittoni and Washington delivering consecutive kills to close out the set 25-22 and seal the match.

Both teams will head to Fayetteville, N.C., for the CIAA Round-Up this weekend, a two-day event hosted by Fayetteville State where all conference teams gather to compete in cross-divisional matchups.