Monday, September 28 | 6 p.m.
Felton J. Capel Arena | Fayetteville, N.C.
Fayetteville State: 5-1 overall, 2-0 CIAA
Claflin: 7-6 overall, 1-1 CIAA
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Fayetteville State volleyball looks to remain unbeaten in conference play when the Broncos host Claflin on Monday, September 28, at 6 p.m. inside Felton J. Capel Arena.
The Broncos enter the match-up at 5-1 overall and 2-0 in CIAA play after an impressive sweep of Livingstone in their home opener. Claflin comes to Fayetteville at 7-6 overall and 1-1 in conference play following a four-set victory over Johnson C. Smith.
Fayetteville State
Fayetteville State has been efficient on both sides of the net through its first six matches. The Broncos are averaging
12.0 kills per set while hitting .181, compared with 10.8 kills per set by their opponents. Defensively, FSU holds a sizable advantage in the back row, averaging
15.5 digs per set compared with 13.7 for its opponents.
The Broncos have also done a good job controlling the service game. Fayetteville State has produced 50 aces while surrendering only 36 and has committed 39 service errors compared with 68 by its opponents.
FSU's latest performance showcased just how dangerous its offense can be. The Broncos swept Livingstone 25-17, 25-13, 25-20 as
Mya Hejl recorded 12 kills on 17 attacks for a .706 hitting percentage.
Kemyah Harris added six kills while hitting .667, and
Melissa Gonzalez directed the attack with 18 assists.
The victory also showed the Broncos' ability to respond under pressure. FSU trailed 15-7 in the third set before rallying to complete the sweep, an encouraging sign for a team looking to build momentum early in conference play.
Claflin
Claflin enters Monday's match having played more than twice as many matches as Fayetteville State. Through 13 contests, the Panthers are averaging
10.0 kills, 8.8 assists, 2.2 aces, 12.1 digs and 1.8 blocks per set.
The Panthers have been particularly effective at the net defensively, totaling 79 blocks compared with 50 for their opponents. Claflin is also hitting .167 while holding opponents to a .134 hitting percentage.
Claflin picked up its first CIAA victory Thursday with a 3-1 win over Johnson C. Smith. Zaniya Harris led the attack with 16 kills, while Monica Burns added eight. Nadia Embry recorded 17 assists and Joi Tinsley contributed 14. Abigail Watts anchored the defense with 14 digs.
Harris has been Claflin's top offensive option this season, leading the Panthers with 128 kills and averaging 2.84 kills per set.
Players to Watch
Fayetteville State
- Mya Hejl - Hejl has established herself as one of FSU's most efficient offensive weapons. She leads the Broncos with 65 kills, averaging 2.50 per set, while hitting an impressive .378.
- Kemyah Harris - Harris gives Fayetteville State another dangerous option on the outside. She has totaled 62 kills and averages 2.38 kills per set.
- Kyla Powell - Powell adds another scoring threat to a balanced Bronco attack with 49 kills and 1.96 kills per set.
- Jasmine Culp - Culp anchors Fayetteville State's defense with 106 digs and 4.08 digs per set.
Claflin
- Zaniya Harris - Harris is the centerpiece of the Claflin offense with 128 kills, 2.84 kills per set and a .177 hitting percentage.
- Aryanna Connell - Connell provides production in multiple areas with 76 kills while hitting .193. She has also recorded 21 service aces and contributed three aces in Claflin's latest victory.
- Monica Burns - Burns could play a major role at the net. She has 75 kills while hitting a team-best .276 among Claflin's leading attackers. Burns also recorded three blocks in the win over Johnson C. Smith.
- Abigail Watts - Watts leads the Panthers' back-row defense with 144 digs, averaging 3.20 per set, and has posted a .928 reception percentage.
By the Numbers
| Category |
Fayetteville State |
Claflin |
| Overall Record |
5-1 |
7-6 |
| CIAA Record |
2-0 |
1-1 |
| Hitting Percentage |
.181 |
.167 |
| Kills Per Set |
12.0 |
10.0 |
| Assists Per Set |
10.5 |
8.8 |
| Aces Per Set |
1.9 |
2.2 |
| Digs Per Set |
15.5 |
12.1 |
| Blocks Per Set |
1.4 |
1.8 |
| Opponent Hitting Percentage |
.171 |
.134 |
The numbers set up an interesting contrast. Fayetteville State holds the advantage in offensive efficiency, kills, assists and digs, while Claflin has the edge in serving, blocking and opponent hitting percentage.
Keys to the Game
Establish the offense early.
FSU averages two more kills per set than Claflin. Getting Hejl and Harris involved early could force the Panthers to adjust their block and open opportunities for the rest of the Broncos' attack.
Win the serve-receive battle.
Claflin averages 2.2 aces per set. Fayetteville State must keep its passing organized and prevent the Panthers from using their serve to disrupt the offense.
Stay patient against the block.
Claflin has recorded 79 total blocks and averages 1.8 per set. Smart shot selection, effective tipping and attacking around the block will be important for the Broncos.
Continue the strong back-row play.
FSU's 15.5 digs per set are a significant advantage. If Culp and the Broncos can extend rallies, they can create additional chances for an offense averaging 12 kills per set.
What to Expect
Monday's match has the potential to feature extended rallies and contrasting strengths. Fayetteville State brings the more productive offense and stronger statistical back-row defense, while Claflin has shown an ability to create problems with its serving and blocking.
Conclusion
Fayetteville State returns to Capel Arena looking to protect its undefeated CIAA record and continue a strong start to the 2026 season. After opening conference play with consecutive victories, the Broncos will face a Claflin team coming off its first CIAA win and looking to build momentum of its own.
First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, September 28, inside Felton J. Capel Arena in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
