WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Fayetteville State battled back from an opening-set deficit and pushed Virginia State to five sets Friday evening, but the Trojans prevailed 3-2 in the CIAA Round-Up matchup at Gaines Gymnasium.
Virginia State claimed the contest by scores of 25-19, 13-25, 18-25, 25-21 and 15-8, improving to 7-7 overall and maintaining its unbeaten conference mark at 5-0 in CIAA play. Fayetteville State moved to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the conference.
The Broncos were led offensively by
Kemyah Harris, who recorded a match-high 16 kills.
Mya Hejl added 11 kills, five total blocks and 15 points, while
McKenna Miller contributed 13 kills and nine digs.
Kyla Powell chipped in nine kills for Fayetteville State.
Fayetteville State's defense kept the Broncos in contention throughout the evening.
Nicolette Connell posted a match-high 29 digs, while
Giovanna Teixeira added 19 digs and distributed a team-best 36 assists. The Broncos finished with 95 digs and 59 kills in the marathon contest.
Virginia State came out strong in the opening set, using an efficient .341 hitting percentage and 18 kills to claim a 25-19 victory. The Broncos responded emphatically in the second frame, taking control with a dominant run behind the serving and attacking of Harris to earn a 25-13 win and even the match.
Fayetteville State carried that momentum into the third set. The Broncos built separation midway through the frame and closed on a 7-2 surge to secure a 25-18 victory and move within one set of the match.
The Trojans answered in the fourth. With the score tied 16-16, Virginia State scored nine of the final 14 points to force a decisive fifth set with a 25-21 win.
Virginia State maintained the momentum in the final set, opening an early advantage and extending the lead to 13-5 before closing out the match 15-8.
The Trojans were led by Anya McKinley's 11 kills on a .391 hitting percentage, while Gracie Darville and Noa Roberts added 10 kills each. Kellee Craig anchored the Virginia State defense with 21 digs.
Fayetteville State will return to the court on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. when the Broncos face Elizabeth City State in their next CIAA Round-Up match in Winston-Salem. Fans can follow the team throughout the season at fsubroncos.com and on social media @FSUBroncos.
