GAME PREVIEW
Opponent: Johnson C. Smith
Date: October 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
]Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast, Live Stats Link: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Winners of eight straight matches, the Fayetteville State University volleyball team returns to Capel Arena on Thursday, Oct. 29, for a 6 p.m. CIAA matchup against Johnson C. Smith University. 

The Broncos enter the match with a 19-4 overall record and a 16-3 mark in conference play after sweeping Claflin in straight sets on the road. Johnson C. Smith arrives in Fayetteville at 1-20 overall and 1-18 in CIAA play. 

About Fayetteville State 

Fayetteville State continues to be one of the CIAA's most complete teams, ranking among the conference leaders in offense and defense. The Broncos are averaging 12.7 kills per set while hitting .215 as a team and holding opponents to a .118 hitting percentage. Fayetteville State also averages 16.0 digs per set and has totaled 172 service aces this season. 

The Broncos are coming off a dominant 3-0 victory over Claflin on Monday. Fayetteville State hit .262 and recorded 44 kills while limiting the Panthers to a .110 hitting percentage. 

Middle blocker Mya Hejl led the Broncos with 12 kills, while Kyla Powell added nine kills. Setters Melissa Gonzalez and Giovanna Teixeira combined for 36 assists, and libero Jasmine Culp anchored the defense with 19 digs. 

About Johnson C. Smith 

Johnson C. Smith enters Thursday's contest following a straight-set loss to Winston-Salem State. The Golden Bulls have struggled offensively this season, averaging 7.0 kills per set and posting a .019 hitting percentage. 

Despite their record, Johnson C. Smith remains aggressive from the service line, averaging 2.3 aces per set, led by Naveah Baker and Mariah Dulan. The Golden Bulls will look to use their serving pressure to create opportunities against the Broncos. 

Players to Watch 

Fayetteville State 

• Kemyah Harris - Harris leads the Broncos with 236 kills this season and continues to be one of the team's primary offensive threats. Her ability to score from the outside has played a major role in Fayetteville State's success. 

• Mya Hejl - Hejl has been dominant in the middle for the Broncos, ranking second on the team with 194 kills and leading the squad with 54 blocks. She enters Thursday's match after recording 12 kills against Claflin. 

• Giovanna Teixeira - The sophomore setter leads the Broncos with 407 assists while also contributing 191 digs and 23 service aces. Her all-around play has helped Fayetteville State maintain one of the conference's most productive offenses. 

Johnson C. Smith 

• Rylea Ross - Ross leads the Golden Bulls with 78 kills and 105 digs, making her one of the team's most versatile players and a key contributor on both sides of the ball. 

• Marianna Diaz - Diaz has recorded a team-high 200 assists this season and serves as the primary facilitator for the Golden Bulls' offense. 

Keys to the Match 

• Control the Service Line 
  Both teams average around two aces per set, but Fayetteville State has been far more consistent offensively when able to stay in system. 

• Continue Defensive Pressure 
  The Broncos are holding opponents to a .118 hitting percentage and have out-dug opponents by more than 220 digs this season. 

• Maintain Offensive Balance 
  With multiple hitters surpassing 150 kills this season, Fayetteville State has proven difficult to defend when distributing the ball effectively across the front row. 

What to Expect 

Fayetteville State enters Thursday's contest with momentum after winning eight consecutive matches and sweeping its last two opponents. The Broncos have been strong in every phase of the game, combining offensive production, defensive discipline, and serving pressure. 

Johnson C. Smith will look to create opportunities through its service game, but the Broncos' depth and experience make them a difficult matchup. Expect Fayetteville State to rely on its balanced attack and defensive consistency as it continues its push toward the postseason. 

First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Capel Arena. Fans can follow live stats and updates on fsubroncos.com/gameday and on social media by following @FSUBroncos.