ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Fayetteville State University continued its winning ways Monday evening, defeating Claflin University in straight sets, 25-17, 25-18, 25-16, in CIAA Southern Division volleyball action at Tullis Arena.
The Broncos improved to 19-4 overall and 16-3 in CIAA play, extending their winning streak to seven matches. Claflin fell to 12-18 overall and 6-13 in the conference.
Fayetteville State controlled the match from the opening set, hitting .262 as a team while holding Claflin to a .110 attack percentage. The Broncos also recorded advantages in kills (44-26), digs (45-36), assists (41-26) and service aces (6-2).
Junior outside hitter
Mya Hejl paced the Broncos' offense with a match-high 12 kills while hitting .500 and adding an ace.
Kyla Powell contributed nine kills on a .273 hitting percentage, and
Erin Johnson added five kills without an error, posting a team-best .500 attack percentage.
The Broncos received strong production from their setters as
Melissa Gonzalez dished out 20 assists and two service aces, while
Giovanna Teixeira added 16 assists and a kill. Libero
Jasmine Culp anchored the defense with a match-high 19 digs and two service aces.
Fayetteville State jumped out to an early lead in the first set, using a 10-2 run to build a 13-5 advantage. Hejl delivered four kills during the set as the Broncos cruised to a 25-17 victory.
The second set remained competitive early before Fayetteville State turned a 10-8 lead into a comfortable margin behind kills from Powell and Johnson. The Broncos closed the frame on a 15-10 stretch to take a two-set lead following a 25-18 win.
Claflin battled through several ties in the third set and briefly held an 8-6 advantage. Fayetteville State responded with a 10-4 run fueled by strong serving from Gonzalez and Culp and timely kills from Hejl, Powell and
Destiny Washington. The Broncos closed the match by scoring seven of the final eight points to secure the 25-16 set victory and complete the sweep.
Monica Burns led Claflin with nine kills on a .450 hitting percentage, while Aryanna Connell added six kills. Nadia Embry recorded 13 assists and five digs for the Panthers.
Fayetteville State returns to action Thursday, Oct. 29, when the Broncos host Johnson C. Smith. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Capel Arena. Fans can follow all the action at fsubroncos.com and on Fayetteville State Athletics social media channels.
