CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Fayetteville State earned a convincing CIAA road win Thursday evening, defeating Johnson C. Smith in straight sets, 25-9, 25-18, 25-19.
The Broncos improved their conference standing with a dominant performance that saw them control the match from the opening serve. Fayetteville State recorded 34 kills and 10 service aces while holding the Golden Bulls to a .054 attack percentage.
Fayetteville State raced out to an early lead in the opening set behind strong play from
Kyla Powell and
Kemyah Harris. The Broncos used aggressive serving to overwhelm Johnson C. Smith, closing the set on a 5-0 run for a decisive 25-9 victory.
The second set was more competitive as the Golden Bulls stayed within striking distance midway through the frame. Fayetteville State responded with key kills from Powell, Harris,
Courtlynn Edwards, and
Aolani Cannon to create separation. Consecutive points late in the set helped the Broncos secure a 25-18 win and take a 2-0 match lead.
Johnson C. Smith challenged Fayetteville State throughout the third set, trimming the deficit to 18-18. The Broncos answered with a decisive 7-1 run fueled by service aces from
Destiny Washington and
Leticia Neves Nascimento along with timely kills from Harris and Neves Nascimento to complete the sweep with a 25-19 victory.
Harris led the Broncos offensively with 10 kills. Powell added nine kills, while Neves Nascimento contributed seven kills, an ace, and four digs. Cannon chipped in three kills and five assists.
Setter
Melissa Gonzalez directed the offense with 19 assists, two service aces, and three block assists. Defensively,
Nicolette Connell finished with a team-high six digs, while
Destiny Washington and
Tamari Hill each recorded two service aces.
Johnson C. Smith was led by Abigail Freeman, who finished with nine kills and three service aces.
Fayetteville State returns to action on Monday, Oct. 12, when the Broncos head to Salisbury, NC to face Livingstone.
For complete coverage of Fayetteville State volleyball, visit FSUBroncos.com and follow the Broncos on social media.
