Dates: October 2-4, 2026
Location: Gaines and Whitaker Gymnasiums, Winston-Salem State, Winston-Salem, NC
Broadcast and Live Stats: fsubroncos.com/gameday

After opening CIAA play with a perfect 3-0 conference record, the Fayetteville State volleyball team will look to continue its strong start this weekend at the CIAA Round-Up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Broncos enter the weekend at 6-1 overall and sit among the conference leaders thanks to a balanced attack, aggressive serving, and a defense that has outperformed opponents in kills, assists, aces, and digs.

Fayetteville State is averaging 12.2 kills per set, 15.4 digs per set, and 2.0 service aces per set while holding opponents to a .162 hitting percentage. The Broncos will face six CIAA opponents over three days, with each match carrying significant implications in the conference standings.

Friday, Oct. 2

Shaw (2-10, 2-2 CIAA) | 11 a.m. | Gaines Gymnasium

The weekend opens with Shaw, a team that has struggled to find consistency but remains dangerous behind an aggressive service game. The Bears average 2.2 aces per set, one of the top marks in the league, and have recorded 87 aces this season. However, Shaw enters the match hitting just .098 as a team while committing 239 attacking errors.

Key for Fayetteville State: Control the serve receive game. If the Broncos limit Shaw's ability to score from the service line and force the Bears into extended rallies, Fayetteville State's superior offensive efficiency should create a significant advantage. Establishing Mya Hejl and the Bronco attack early will be critical against a defense that allows opponents to hit .167.

Virginia State (5-7, 3-0 CIAA) | 5 p.m. | Gaines Gymnasium

The Trojans may present Fayetteville State's toughest challenge of the opening day. Despite a losing overall record, Virginia State remains undefeated in conference play and features a strong front-row presence with 75 total blocks this season. The Trojans average 14.4 digs per set and are one of the better defensive teams in the CIAA.

Key for Fayetteville State: Attack efficiently and avoid the block. Virginia State thrives when opponents become predictable offensively. The Broncos must spread the ball around and capitalize on transition opportunities. Defensively, Fayetteville State will need to slow a Virginia State offense that averages 10.7 kills per set.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Elizabeth City State (6-10, 3-0 CIAA) | 1 p.m. | Whitaker Gymnasium

Elizabeth City State enters the weekend with the same conference record as Fayetteville State and has played more matches than anyone in the league. The Vikings lead this group of opponents in kills (631) and blocks (119.0) while averaging nearly two blocks per set. Their physical front row can disrupt opposing offenses and change momentum quickly.

Key for Fayetteville State: Win the battle at the net. The Broncos must minimize hitting errors and use smart shot selection against one of the conference's best blocking teams. Strong back-row play and communication will also be essential against a Vikings squad that generates plenty of offensive opportunities.

Lincoln (Pa.) (1-9, 0-2 CIAA) | 5 p.m. | Whitaker Gymnasium

Lincoln has endured a difficult start to the season but remains a dangerous team from the service line. The Lions have struggled offensively, hitting .042 as a team, while opponents are hitting an impressive .304 against them. Lincoln has also committed 153 reception errors, the highest total among Fayetteville State's opponents this weekend.

Key for Fayetteville State: Apply pressure immediately. The Broncos should look to dominate with their serving and force Lincoln into passing errors. Maintaining focus and avoiding a letdown after the earlier match against Elizabeth City State will be important.

Sunday, Oct. 4

Bowie State (3-5, 1-2 CIAA) | 9 a.m. | Gaines Gymnasium

Bowie State enters the weekend looking to climb the conference standings. The Bulldogs are a solid blocking team, averaging 2.2 blocks per set, and have shown the ability to compete in tight matches. When Bowie controls the net defensively, it becomes a difficult team to score against.

Key for Fayetteville State: Start fast in the early morning match. The Broncos cannot afford a slow start against a physical Bowie State front line. Consistent serving pressure and strong passing should allow Fayetteville State to run its offense effectively and limit Bowie State's blocking opportunities.

Virginia Union (3-7, 0-3 CIAA) | 1 p.m. | Whitaker  Gymnasium

The Panthers close out the Round-Up schedule for the Broncos. Virginia Union possesses one of the conference's more aggressive serving units, averaging 2.5 aces per set with 86 total aces on the season. However, the Panthers have struggled offensively, hitting .129 while allowing opponents to hit .212.

Key for Fayetteville State: Stay disciplined in serve receive. Virginia Union's best chance to score comes from applying pressure behind the service line. If the Broncos handle the first contact effectively, they should be able to take advantage of favorable offensive matchups throughout the match.

Players to Watch for Fayetteville State

Mya Hejl continues to anchor the Bronco attack and most recently earned CIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season. Her ability to terminate rallies and score from multiple positions makes her one of the league's most dangerous hitters.

Kemyah Harris has provided consistent offensive production while contributing on both sides of the net. Her versatility will be valuable during a six-match weekend.

The Bronco defense has been one of the team's biggest strengths, averaging 15.4 digs per set while forcing opponents into a lower hitting percentage than Fayetteville State's own offensive mark.

What to Expect

The Round-Up presents a major opportunity for Fayetteville State to strengthen its position near the top of the CIAA standings. Four of the Broncos' six opponents enter the weekend with conference winning records, making every match important in the race for postseason seeding. If Fayetteville State continues its balanced offensive attack, aggressive serving, and strong defensive play, the Broncos will be well positioned to maintain their unbeaten conference record and leave Winston-Salem with momentum heading into the heart of the CIAA schedule.

Fans can follow Fayetteville State's games throughout the season at fsubroncos.com/gameday and on social media @FSUBroncos.