The Fayetteville State volleyball team will return to action this weekend as the Broncos travel to Petersburg, Virginia, for the CIAA Round-Up hosted by Virginia State University. Fayetteville State enters the weekend with an 11-4 overall record and an 8-3 mark in conference play, looking to strengthen its position in the CIAA standings with six matches over three days.

This week's event presents a familiar challenge, as the Broncos will face the same six CIAA opponents they competed against during the opening Round-Up in Winston-Salem earlier this month. Fayetteville State posted a 4-2 record during that stretch, earning victories over Shaw, Elizabeth City State, Lincoln (Pa.), and Virginia Union while suffering narrow five-set losses to Virginia State and Bowie State.

The Broncos have been one of the conference's most efficient offensive teams this season, posting a .201 hitting percentage while averaging 12.5 kills per set and 15.7 digs per set. Fayetteville State has also displayed balance throughout the lineup, led offensively by Kemyah Harris (175 kills), Mya Hejl (143 kills), McKenna Miller (116 kills), and Kyla Powell (93 kills). Setters Giovanna Teixeira (283 assists) and Melissa Gonzalez (236 assists) have directed the offense, while Jasmine Culp leads the team with 151 digs.

Bowie State | Friday, Oct. 16 | 11 a.m.
The weekend opens against Bowie State (8-9, 5-6 CIAA). The Bulldogs feature a balanced attack led by Taylor Johnson (125 kills), Payton Swinton (108 kills), and Abena Asomani-Martin (106 kills). Bowie State's biggest strength is at the net, where the team averages 2.1 blocks per set and is led by Melisa Anacius and Jy'Asha Cousins, who each have 47 total blocks.

What to Expect: Fayetteville State's offensive efficiency could be the difference against a Bowie State squad hitting .143 on the season. Limiting the Bulldogs' blocking opportunities will be key for the Broncos.

Virginia State | Friday, Oct. 16 | 5 p.m.
The marquee matchup of the weekend comes against conference leader Virginia State (13-7, 11-0 CIAA). The Trojans remain unbeaten in league play and are led by Gracie Darville's 210 kills. Peyton Reese orchestrates the offense with 356 assists, while Kellee Craig anchors the back row with an impressive 350 digs.

What to Expect: Virginia State thrives in long rallies and defensive battles, averaging 15.2 digs per set. Fayetteville State's attack, which ranks among the conference's most productive, will be tested against one of the CIAA's top teams.

Virginia Union | Saturday, Oct. 17 | 11 a.m.
Virginia Union enters the weekend with a 6-12 overall record and a 3-8 conference mark. Alana Simmons (121 kills) and Maria Pena (119 kills) pace the Panthers offensively, while Simmons also leads the team with 32 service aces.

What to Expect: The Panthers rely heavily on their serving game, averaging 2.4 aces per set. Clean serve receive and ball control will be vital for Fayetteville State.

Lincoln (Pa.) | Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m.
Lincoln (Pa.) has struggled this season, posting a 1-19 overall record and a 0-10 conference mark. Elise Carter (70 kills) and Amira Billingsley (69 kills) lead the Lions, while Charly Manley has recorded 232 assists.

What to Expect: Fayetteville State will look to apply pressure from the opening serve against a Lincoln team that has committed 265 reception errors and owns a .013 team hitting percentage.

Shaw | Sunday, Oct. 18 | 3 p.m.
Shaw enters the Round-Up at 6-14 overall and 6-6 in CIAA play. The Bears are led by Taelin Connolley (136 kills) and Leana Gould (112 kills), while setter Justus Alexander has distributed 440 assists.

What to Expect: Shaw's aggressive serving attack has produced 159 aces this season. The Broncos will need strong back-row play from Culp, Teixeira, and Connell to neutralize the Bears' pressure from the service line.

Elizabeth City State | Sunday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m.
The weekend concludes against Elizabeth City State (9-15, 6-5 CIAA). The Vikings feature one of the conference's most dangerous attackers in Kendall Washington, who leads the team with 245 kills and 39 service aces. Cameron Mitrovich adds 166 kills and 371 assists, giving ECSU multiple offensive threats.

What to Expect: Elizabeth City State's size at the net presents a challenge, as the Vikings have accumulated 164 total blocks this season. Fayetteville State's ability to spread the offense and maintain its efficient hitting percentage will be crucial.

Fayetteville State Players to Watch

• Kemyah Harris - The Broncos' leading attacker has recorded 175 kills and will be counted on to provide consistent production throughout the weekend.
• Giovanna Teixeira - The junior setter has amassed 283 assists while contributing 145 digs and 19 service aces, making her one of the team's most versatile players.
• Mya Hejl - A force in the middle, Hejl ranks second on the team in kills and leads the Broncos with 38 total blocks.
• Jasmine Culp - The team's defensive leader enters the Round-Up with 151 digs and will play a key role in controlling opponent attacks.

Keys to the Weekend
Fayetteville State must continue its efficient offensive play, as the Broncos' .201 hitting percentage is significantly higher than any of their six opponents this weekend. Strong serve receive will also be critical against several teams that rank among the conference leaders in service aces. Defensively, limiting second-chance opportunities and winning the battle in transition could allow the Broncos to capitalize on a favorable stretch of conference matches.

With six matches in three days, depth and consistency will be tested, but the Broncos have an opportunity to build momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch. A strong showing in Petersburg could further solidify Fayetteville State's position among the CIAA's top contenders heading toward the conference tournament.

Fans can follow all matches through live stats and streaming links available at fsubroncos.com/gameday.