TIGERVILLE, SC -- Fayetteville State improved to 2-0 on the season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mars Hill(1-1) on Saturday afternoon at Hayes Gymnasium. The Broncos took the non-conference match by set scores of 25-20, 25-20, 23-25, 23-25, 15-12.

Graduate Symone Morris led the Broncos with a double-double, tallying 19 kills and 16 digs. Senior Chiara Vittoni matched Morris with 19 kills of her own, while Jasmine Culp anchored the defense with a match-high 24 digs. Amihan Johnson added six blocks to help control the net.

Setter Giovanna Teixeira directed the offense with a match-high 49 assists and contributed two service aces.

Fayetteville State opened the match with a comeback win in Set 1, rallying from a five-point deficit to take the set 25-20 behind strong play from Morris, Vittoni, and Teixeira. The Broncos carried that momentum into Set 2, edging Mars Hill 25-20 in a tightly contested frame that featured 13 ties and five lead changes, with key blocks and consistent offense helping them build a 2-0 match lead. Mars Hill responded in Set 3, narrowly winning 25-23 after capitalizing on late Fayetteville State errors in another back-and-forth battle. The Lions then evened the match in Set 4 with another 25-23 win, using a mid-set surge and clutch plays to overcome a late push by the Broncos. In the decisive Set 5, Fayetteville State regrouped and outlasted Mars Hill 15-12, with timely kills from Morris and Vittoni and a strong finish that secured the 3-2 match victory.

The Broncos are set to face host North Greenville University today at 4:30 p.m. in their next match-up.

For more information on Fayetteville State Athletics, visit FSUBroncos.com/gameday.