GAME PREVIEW
Opponent: Bluefield State Big Blue
Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast, Live Stats, Game Program: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Riding a six-match winning streak and fresh off an undefeated weekend at the CIAA Roundup, the Fayetteville State University volleyball team returns to Capel Arena on Thursday, Oct. 22, for its annual "DIG PINK" Breast Cancer Awareness Match against Bluefield State at 6 p.m.

The Broncos enter the matchup with a 17-4 overall record and a 14-3 mark in CIAA play after posting a perfect 6-0 record at the CIAA Roundup in Petersburg, Va. Bluefield State comes to Fayetteville with a 13-13 overall record and an 8-9 conference mark after going 2-4 during the Roundup weekend.

About Fayetteville State
Fayetteville State has emerged as one of the top teams in the CIAA this season, leading the conference in several statistical categories. The Broncos average 12.6 kills per set while holding opponents to just 9.7 kills per set and a .119 hitting percentage. Defensively, Fayetteville State averages 16.1 digs per set and has recorded 159 service aces through 21 matches.

The Broncos are coming off a straight-set victory over Elizabeth City State to cap an undefeated Roundup weekend. In that match, Fayetteville State hit .260 and was led by McKenna Miller and Mya Hejl, who each recorded seven kills. Kyla Powell added seven kills, while setters Melissa Gonzalez and Giovanna Teixeira combined for 33 assists.

About Bluefield State
Bluefield State enters Thursday's match looking to rebound from a three-set loss to Virginia State in its most recent outing. The Big Blue average 10.7 kills per set and 15.3 digs per set while ranking among the conference leaders with 1.9 blocks per set.

Offensively, Bluefield State has been led throughout the season by hitters Soniya Garner and Jada Burns, while setter Tessa Heffner directs the offense. In their last match, Heffner recorded 19 assists and 12 digs, while Burns and Garner each finished with six kills.

Players to Watch
Fayetteville State

• Kemyah Harris - Harris is tied for the team lead with 59 kills during the Broncos' recent seven-match stretch and continues to be one of Fayetteville State's primary offensive weapons.
• McKenna Miller - The freshman has enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign and is coming off a Roundup weekend where she tied for the team lead in kills. Miller also contributes defensively and in serve receive.
• Giovanna Teixeira - The sophomore setter orchestrates the Broncos' attack and enters the match after recording double-digit assists in every match during the Roundup, including a 21-assist performance against Virginia State.

Bluefield State

• Tessa Heffner  - Heffner serves as the catalyst for the Big Blue offense and is coming off a double-double with 19 assists and 12 digs against Virginia State.
• Jada Burns - Burns has been one of Bluefield State's most consistent attackers this season and remains a focal point of the Big Blue offense. The outside hitter recorded six kills in Bluefield State's most recent match against Virginia State.

Keys to the Match

• Fayetteville State's success starts with its defense and service pressure. The Broncos average 16.1 digs per set and 2.0 service aces per set, allowing them to keep opponents out of system and create scoring opportunities in transition.
• Bluefield State will need to slow Fayetteville State's balanced attack and capitalize on blocking opportunities. The Big Blue average 1.9 blocks per set and will look to use their front-row presence to disrupt the Broncos' hitters.
• The battle for first contact could be a deciding factor. Fayetteville State owns advantages in hitting percentage (.211 to .146), kills per set (12.6 to 10.7), and opponent hitting percentage (.119 to .150), while Bluefield State enters with strong blocking numbers.

What to Expect
Expect Fayetteville State to come out with confidence after sweeping all six of its CIAA Roundup matches. The Broncos have been strong in all phases of the game during conference play and will look to continue building momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Bluefield State has shown the ability to compete with conference opponents throughout the season and possesses enough offensive firepower to challenge the Broncos if it can establish a consistent attack.

Series Outlook
With both teams coming off CIAA Roundup competition, Thursday's match provides another opportunity for Fayetteville State to strengthen its position in the conference standings while protecting its home court. The Broncos will look to carry the momentum from their undefeated weekend into Capel Arena and continue their push toward postseason play.