WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Fayetteville State opened the CIAA Round-Up with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Shaw on Friday morning at Gaines Gymnasium. The Broncos improved to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in CIAA play after winning by scores of 25-18, 22-25, 25-27, 25-17, and 15-9.
After claiming the opening set, Fayetteville State found itself in a battle as Shaw responded by taking the second and third sets to gain a 2-1 advantage. The Broncos answered in dominant fashion, controlling the fourth set and carrying that momentum into the decisive fifth set to secure the conference victory.
The Fayetteville State offense was paced by
Kemyah Harris, who recorded a match-high 22 kills while attacking .362 and adding eight digs.
McKenna Miller contributed 13 kills, while
Mya Hejl posted a well-rounded performance with 12 kills, three service aces, and a match-high seven total blocks.
The Broncos received strong play from their setters as
Giovanna Teixeira dished out 31 assists and
Melissa Gonzalez added 18 assists. Defensively,
Jasmine Culp led the way with 17 digs, while
Nicolette Connell chipped in 13 digs as Fayetteville State totaled 76 digs in the match.
Fayetteville State finished with 61 kills, seven service aces, 76 digs, and 13 team blocks. The Broncos were especially effective at the net, holding a 13-8 advantage in total blocks and limiting Shaw to a .105 hitting percentage.
Shaw (1-11, 1-3 CIAA) was led by Taelin Connolley, who tallied 21 kills and 10 digs. Nevaeh Ortiz added 11 kills and a team-high 18 digs, while Justus Alexander directed the offense with 36 assists and four service aces.
The Broncos will return to action at 5 p.m. Friday when they face Virginia State in their second match of the CIAA Round-Up. Fans can follow Fayetteville State Volleyball throughout the season by visiting FSUBroncos.com and following@FSUBroncos on social media.
