GAME INFORMATION
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Wehrle Innovation Center | Charleston, WV
Link to Program, Broadcast, Live Stats: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Fayetteville State volleyball will put its unbeaten start to the season on the line when the Broncos travel to face the University of Charleston in a nonconference matchup.

Fayetteville State enters the contest with a 3-0 record, while Charleston comes into the matchup at 5-6. The meeting presents an early test for a Broncos squad that has used aggressive serving, balanced offensive production and solid back-row defense to open the season without a loss.

About Fayetteville State
The Broncos have displayed balance through their first three matches, hitting .175 while recording 157 kills over 14 sets. Fayetteville State is averaging 11.2 kills, 9.7 assists, 2.7 service aces, 15.4 digs and 1.5 blocks per set.

Serving has been one of FSU's early strengths. The Broncos have delivered 38 aces against only 19 service errors, while their opponents have totaled 25 aces and 36 service errors. Fayetteville State has also produced 216 digs, an average of 15.4 per set.

Offensively, the Broncos have been difficult to key on because of their balance. Mya Hejl, Leticia Neves Nascimento and Kyla Powell are tied for the team lead with 29 kills apiece, while Kemyah Harris is right behind them with 28.

Broncos to Watch

• Mya Hejl - Hejl has been productive at both the net and offensively, recording 29 kills and a team-best 10 blocks. Her ability to contribute in both phases could make her particularly important against Charleston's strong front line.
• Leticia Neves Nascimento - Neves Nascimento shares the FSU lead with 29 kills and has added six blocks, giving Fayetteville State another productive option at the net.
• Kyla Powell - With 29 kills, Powell gives the Broncos yet another offensive threat. Having three players tied for the team lead in kills illustrates the balance FSU can bring to its attack.
• Melissa Gonzalez - Gonzalez has been at the center of Fayetteville State's offense and serving game, leading the Broncos with 64 assists and 14 service aces. She has also collected 36 digs, making her a factor in multiple phases of the match.

About University of Charleston
Charleston has played a much larger early-season sample, entering the match at 5-6 after competing in 11 contests and 45 sets.

The Golden Eagles have recorded 493 kills with a .168 hitting percentage, averaging 11.0 kills and 10.2 assists per set. Defensively, Charleston averages 14.6 digs per set, but its biggest statistical strength has been its blocking.

Charleston has amassed 115 total blocks and averages 2.6 blocks per set, compared with 1.8 blocks per set for its opponents. That advantage at the net could pose one of the biggest challenges Fayetteville State has faced early in the season.

Golden Eagles to Watch

• Divine Muo - Muo leads Charleston with 107 kills, averaging 2.55 kills per set while hitting an efficient .267. She has also contributed 30 blocks and will be one of the primary offensive threats FSU must contain.
• Kate Strong - Strong has been Charleston's most imposing presence at the net. She has 69 kills on a team-best .313 hitting percentage among the Golden Eagles' primary attackers and leads the team with 67 total blocks, averaging 1.60 per set.
• Jasmine Broberg - Broberg has been an all-around contributor with 89 kills, 98 digs, 18 blocks and 12 service aces. Her ability to affect several areas of the match gives Charleston another versatile weapon.
• London Upchurch - Upchurch directs the Golden Eagles' offense and leads the team with 227 assists. She has also recorded 76 digs and 11 service aces, giving Charleston production beyond her setting duties.

What to Expect
The matchup could be decided by contrasting strengths.

Fayetteville State has been the more dangerous serving team statistically, averaging 2.7 aces per set, while Charleston averages 1.9. The Broncos have also been slightly stronger in back-row defense at 15.4 digs per set compared with Charleston's 14.6.

Charleston, however, owns a considerable advantage at the net. The Golden Eagles average 2.6 blocks per set, compared with 1.5 for FSU. Strong's 67 total blocks headline a Charleston unit that has accumulated 115 blocks through 45 sets.

The offensive numbers suggest a potentially tight battle. Fayetteville State is hitting .175 and averaging 11.2 kills per set, while Charleston is hitting .168 and averaging 11.0 kills per set.

Keys to the Match

1. Fayetteville State's service pressure - The Broncos' 38 aces through 14 sets have been one of their strongest early-season weapons. Gonzalez leads the way with 14, while Nicolette Connell and Jasmine Culp have six apiece. FSU will look to use aggressive serving to force Charleston out of system and make it more difficult for the Golden Eagles to utilize their size at the net.
2. Find ways around Charleston's block - With Charleston averaging 2.6 blocks per set, Fayetteville State will need efficient ball distribution and smart shot selection. The Golden Eagles' 115 total blocks demonstrate their ability to control the net, particularly behind Strong.
3. Keep the offense balanced - FSU's distribution of kills has been remarkably even. Hejl, Neves Nascimento and Powell each have 29 kills, while Harris has 28. Maintaining that balance could prevent Charleston's blockers from settling on one primary attacker.
4. Win the serve-and-pass battle - Charleston and Fayetteville State have both shown the ability to score from the service line, but the Broncos have been particularly efficient. FSU has 38 aces against 19 errors, while Charleston has 87 aces against 121 errors. Limiting its own mistakes while putting the Golden Eagles' receivers under pressure could provide Fayetteville State with an important edge.

By the Numbers

	Fayetteville State (3-0)	University of Charleston (5-6)
Hitting Percentage	.175	.175
Kills Per Set	11.2	11.0
Assists Per Set	9.7	10.2
Aces Per Set	2.7	1.9
Digs Per Set	15.4	14.6
Blocks Per Set	1.5	2.6

 
Conclusion
Fayetteville State's trip to Charleston provides the Broncos with an opportunity to measure their undefeated start against a Golden Eagles team that has already accumulated significant match experience.

The Broncos will bring a balanced attack, a productive service game and solid floor defense into the contest. Charleston counters with a formidable blocking presence and several offensive options led by Muo, Broberg and Strong.

For Fayetteville State, the formula will center on maintaining pressure from the service line, keeping its offense spread among multiple attackers and preventing Charleston's block from controlling the match. If the Broncos can consistently put the Golden Eagles out of system and turn their back-row defense into quality offensive opportunities, FSU will give itself a chance to extend its undefeated start to the season.