GAME PREVIEW
Opponent: Winston-Salem State
Date: November 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast, Live Stats Link: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Two of the CIAA's top programs meet Thursday evening as Fayetteville State closes the regular season at home against Winston-Salem State. With the CIAA Volleyball Championship beginning next week in Rocky Mount, both teams will be looking to build momentum and sharpen their play before postseason competition. 

About Fayetteville State 

Fayetteville State enters the match with a 21-4 overall record and an 18-3 CIAA mark, establishing itself as one of the conference's elite teams. Under Head Coach Chynna Hunt, the Broncos have relied on a balanced offensive attack, strong back-row defense, and aggressive serving to become one of the most efficient teams in the CIAA. 

The Broncos have recorded 1,167 kills, 1,037 assists, 191 service aces, and 1,457 digs this season while holding opponents to a conference-best .111 hitting percentage. Their .209 team hitting percentage ranks among the league leaders and reflects an offense capable of getting contributions from multiple players. 

Fayetteville State enters the matchup after defeating Bluefield State in four sets and has won nine consecutive matches heading into the regular-season finale. 

Broncos Players to Watch

• Kemyah Harris - The Broncos' leading attacker with 249 kills, Harris has been one of Fayetteville State's most consistent scoring threats throughout the season. 

• Mya Hejl - A two-time CIAA Offensive Player of the Week selection, Hejl has accumulated 204 kills and leads the team with 66 total blocks. 

• McKenna Miller - The freshman standout ranks third on the team with 177 kills and has emerged as one of the conference's top newcomers. 

• Jasmine Culp - Recently reaching 1,000 career digs, Culp leads the Broncos with 292 digs and 35 service aces, anchoring the team's defensive efforts. 

• Giovanna Teixeira & Melissa Gonzalez - The setter duo has combined for 825 assists, helping orchestrate one of the CIAA's most productive offenses. 

About Winston-Salem State 

Winston-Salem State enters Thursday's contest with a 17-11 overall record and a 13-8 CIAA record. The Rams have built their success around an aggressive defense, strong blocking presence, and one of the conference's top offensive players. 

The Rams lead the CIAA in digs with 1,769 and rank among the conference leaders with 195 total blocks. Winston-Salem State has accumulated 1,236 kills and 1,099 assists, relying on a balanced attack and defensive intensity to remain near the top of the Southern Division standings. 

The Rams are coming off an impressive five-set victory over Claflin in which they rallied after trailing multiple times. Winston-Salem recorded 71 kills and 111 digs in the victory, showcasing the resilience that has defined their season. 

Rams Players to Watch 

• Holiday Ellis - One of the premier players in the CIAA, Ellis leads the Rams with 364 kills, 312 digs, and 32 service aces. She enters the match fresh off a 26-kill performance against Claflin. 

• Celina Johnson - The Rams' primary setter has recorded 474 assists while directing the Winston-Salem offensive attack. 

• Zaria Keys - Keys has contributed 439 assists while adding 22 service aces and 155 digs. 

• Kalyn Cuthbertson - The defensive leader for the Rams enters with 399 digs and ranks among the conference's top defensive specialists. 

• Kamiyah Wilson - Wilson has been a force at the net with 90 total blocks, leading Winston-Salem's blocking unit. 

Keys to the Match 

• Control Holiday Ellis - Limiting Winston-Salem's top attacker will be a priority for the Broncos. Fayetteville State's defense has held opponents to a .111 hitting percentage this season and will need another strong effort. 

• Win the Service Line - Fayetteville State averages 2.1 aces per set, compared to Winston-Salem's 1.5. Creating pressure through service could disrupt the Rams' offensive rhythm. 

• Defensive Consistency - The Broncos' back row, led by Jasmine Culp, must continue its strong play against a Rams team that averages nearly 12 kills per set. 

• Balanced Offensive Production - Fayetteville State is at its best when Harris, Hejl, Miller, and Powell contribute offensively. Spreading the attack will help keep Winston-Salem's blockers off balance. 

What to Expect 

Fans should expect a highly competitive match between two postseason-bound teams. Winston-Salem's defense and blocking will challenge the Broncos throughout the evening, while Fayetteville State's serving pressure and offensive balance could prove to be the difference. 

The atmosphere should resemble a postseason match as both teams seek momentum before next week's championship tournament. 

Outlook 

Fayetteville State has already established itself as one of the CIAA's top contenders entering the conference tournament, but a home victory over Winston-Salem State would provide another confidence boost heading into postseason play. The Rams will be eager to secure a quality win before championship week. 

With two talented rosters and plenty at stake, Thursday's matchup promises to be one of the most competitive regular-season finales in the CIAA. 

Follow live stats, links, and complete match coverage at fsubroncos.com/gameday.