FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Fayetteville State volleyball will make its long-awaited home debut Thursday, September 24, when the Broncos welcome CIAA opponent Livingstone to Capel Arena. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The match-up features two teams looking to remain unbeaten in conference play. Fayetteville State enters its home opener with a 4-1 overall record and 1-0 mark in the CIAA, while Livingstone comes to Fayetteville at 8-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

Fayetteville State
Fayetteville State returns to Capel Arena after opening the season with five matches away from home. The Broncos have gotten off to a strong start behind a balanced offense and steady back-row defense.

Through 23 sets, Fayetteville State is averaging 12.1 kills, 10.5 assists, 16.0 digs and 2.0 service aces per set. The Broncos have totaled 279 kills while hitting .173 as a team.

FSU has also created pressure from the service line. The Broncos have recorded 46 aces compared with 33 by their opponents and have committed just 34 service errors compared with 59 by the opposition.

Livingstone
Livingstone enters Thursday's contest following an impressive start to the season. The Blue Bears are averaging 11.9 kills and 11.3 assists per set while hitting .185 as a team.

Defense has been another strength for Livingstone. The Blue Bears average 16.9 digs and 1.9 blocks per set and have held opponents to a .093 hitting percentage. Livingstone has also been aggressive from the service line, producing 75 aces through 37 sets for an average of 2.0 per set.

Players to Watch
Fayetteville State

• Kemyah Harris | Outside Hitter - Harris leads the Broncos with 56 kills and 2.43 kills per set. Harris' ability to terminate rallies from the pin could be important against a Livingstone defense allowing opponents to hit just .093.
• Mya Hejl | Middle - Hejl has recorded 53 kills, 14 total blocks, including three solo blocks. Her efficiency makes her a key match-up in the middle, and her ability to contribute offensively and defensively could help FSU control play at the net.
• Kyla Powell | Hitter - Powell has totaled 48 kills and averages 2.18 kills per set through 22 sets. Powell gives Fayetteville State another consistent attacking option and could be important in keeping Livingstone from focusing its defense on one hitter.
• Jasmine Culp | Defensive Specialist/Libero - Culp anchors the Fayetteville State back row with a team-high 99 digs and 4.30 digs per set. Against Livingstone's top offensive threats, Culp's serve receive and ability to extend rallies will be critical to helping the Broncos transition from defense to offense.

Livingstone

• Hailey Henriquez | Hitter - Henriquez leads Livingstone with 122 kills and 3.30 kills per set. She also has 46 digs and 11 total blocks. As Livingstone's leading attacker, Henriquez will command plenty of attention from the Broncos' front-row defense.
• Oliwia Jaroszewicz | Hitter - Jaroszewicz has delivered on both sides of the ball with 119 kills, 3.22 kills per set, 101 digs and 15 total blocks. Her all-around production makes her a threat throughout the rotation, whether attacking, defending or contributing at the net.
• Mya Dalpiaz | Hitter/Setter - Dalpiaz has totaled 62 kills and has added 51 assists. Her versatility gives Livingstone another option offensively and allows the Blue Bears to create different looks within their attack.
• Tialofa Alofipo | Defensive Specialist/Libero - Alofipo leads Livingstone's defense with 194 digs and 5.24 digs per set. Alofipo's ability to keep attacks off the floor could be a major factor against a Fayetteville State offense averaging 12.1 kills per set.

What to Expect
Thursday's match-up could feature lengthy rallies with two strong defensive teams on the floor. Livingstone averages 16.9 digs per set, while Fayetteville State averages 16.0, putting a premium on patience and finding ways to finish points.

The service line could also have a significant impact. Both teams average 2.0 aces per set, and Fayetteville State has been particularly effective at limiting its opponents' opportunities from behind the line.

At the net, Fayetteville State will be challenged by a Livingstone offense with multiple threats, while the Broncos' balanced attack gives FSU several options to counter.

Keys to the Match

• Control first contact. Fayetteville State will need quality passing against a Livingstone team with 75 service aces. Keeping the ball on target will allow the Broncos to run their full offense.
• Stay aggressive from the service line. FSU has already generated 46 aces and will look to use its serve to disrupt Livingstone's offensive rhythm.
• Win the defensive battle. With both teams averaging at least 16 digs per set, converting extended rallies into points could become a deciding factor.
• Establish the middle. Creating opportunities through the middle could help stretch Livingstone's block and provide better one-on-one opportunities for the Broncos' outside attackers.

Back Home at Capel
With both teams entering at 1-0 in the conference, Thursday's meeting offers an early test for two programs looking to establish themselves in the CIAA race. The match will also serve as Youth Night, giving young Bronco fans an opportunity to experience the excitement of Fayetteville State volleyball inside Capel Arena.

Admission is free for all fans, so Bronco Nation is encouraged to pack Capel Arena and support the Broncos in their first home match of the season.

First serve between Fayetteville State and Livingstone is set for Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m. inside Capel Arena.