MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – Fayetteville State continued its strong opening weekend, improving to 2-0 on the season with a 3-1 victory over Georgia College Saturday morning at Kornegay Arena in the Mt. Olive Pickle Invitational. The Broncos rebounded from a first-set loss to claim the next three sets, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17, and 25-16.
After dropping the opening set, Fayetteville State settled into rhythm offensively and defensively, hitting .217 as a team while recording 51 kills, 13 service aces, and 62 digs. The Broncos dominated the service line, nearly doubling Georgia College's ace total and forcing 13 reception errors.
Leading the offensive charge was
Delaney Sheridan, who posted a match-high 14 kills while hitting .346.
Kemyah Harris added 10 kills, while Leticia Neves Nascimento contributed eight kills and two block assists.
Mya Hejl also added eight kills for the Broncos.
Fayetteville State's back-row effort was led by
Jasmine Culp, who collected a match-high 20 digs to go along with eight assists and two service aces.
Giovanna Teixeira added 13 digs and 11 assists, while
Tione Freeman chipped in six digs and an ace.
The Broncos showcased a balanced offensive attack throughout the match.
Melissa Gonzalez directed the offense with 23 assists and four service aces, while Culp added eight assists as Fayetteville State finished with 47 team assists on 51 kills.
Following a competitive opening set, Fayetteville State responded by winning the second frame behind 15 kills and a .323 hitting percentage. The Broncos then pulled away in the third and fourth sets, using aggressive serving and timely runs to keep Georgia College from mounting a comeback. Fayetteville State raced out to a 9-0 lead in the fourth set and never looked back, cruising to the match-clinching 25-16 victory.
With the win, the Broncos move to 2-0 on the young season and continue building momentum during their opening weekend tournament play. Fayetteville State has won six of its seven sets to begin the season.
