PETERSBURG, VA --Fayetteville State capped a perfect
6-0 weekend at the CIAA Roundup with a 3-0 victory over Elizabeth City State on Sunday evening at the Multipurpose Center. The Broncos improved to
17-4 overall and 14-3 in CIAA play with set scores of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-18.
A balanced offensive effort led the Broncos, with
McKenna Miller,
Mya Hejl, and
Kyla Powell recording seven kills apiece.
Leticia Neves Nascimento added six kills, while setters
Melissa Gonzalez and
Giovanna Teixeira combined for 33 assists.
Jasmine Culp paced the defense with eight digs.
The Broncos seized control early in the opening set. After the score was tied at 4-4, Fayetteville State used a 5-0 run behind the serving of
Tamari Hill to build momentum. The Broncos stretched their advantage to as many as eight points before closing out the set 25-17.
Fayetteville State continued its strong play in the second set, turning a 3-3 tie into a 12-7 lead with contributions from
McKenna Miller,
Kyla Powell, and
Kemyah Harris. The Vikings cut the deficit to five on several occasions, but the Broncos answered every challenge and finished the set on a 6-2 run to take a commanding 2-0 match lead.
The third set was the most competitive of the match early, with Elizabeth City State taking a 6-4 advantage. Fayetteville State responded with an 11-3 surge highlighted by service aces from
Tamari Hill and
Jasmine Culp, along with key kills from
Mya Hejl and
Leticia Neves Nascimento. The Broncos maintained control down the stretch and closed the match on a kill from
Kyla Powell to complete the sweep.
Fayetteville State hit .260 as a team while holding Elizabeth City State to a .057 attack percentage. The Broncos totaled 37 kills, 37 assists, 49 digs, five service aces and four team blocks.
Elizabeth City State was led by Kendall Washington, who posted a match-high 12 kills, while Valeria Miranda recorded 16 digs. The Vikings dropped to 13-17 overall and 10-7 in conference play.
The Broncos finished the CIAA Roundup undefeated with six consecutive victories, strengthening their position in the conference standings as they head into the final weeks of the regular season. Fayetteville State will return to action Thursday, Oct. 22, when it travels to Bluefield State for a CIAA matchup.
