FULLERTON, Calif. – Howard Volleyball dropped its tournament opener at the Fullerton Classic against Southern Utah (SUU) in five sets (20-25, 25-11, 29-31, 25-23, 15-17).
 
Overall, the squad outplayed SUU in multiple categories, including hitting percentage, total kills and blocks.
 
Khaila Donaldson posted a double-double with 20 kills and 14 digs. Jessica Young had a team-high 21 kills while hitting. 400 in the loss.
 
After dropping the first set, 20-25, HU rebounded and won game two easily, 25-11.
 
Set three went into extras and witnessed the Thunderbirds win, 29-31.
 
Howard fought back and forced a deciding fifth set with a 25-23 victory in game four.
 
In the deciding set, SUU held off Howard and took the match, 17-15.
 
Tamia Dockery guided the Bison attack with a double-double, 64 helpers and 13 digs.
 
Defensively, Abby Morrow registered a match-best 19 digs while Olubunmi Okunade added eight total blocks (one solo) in a losing effort.
 
For SUU (2-4), Macky Fifita recorded a double-double with 19 kills and 17 digs. Setter Alexis Averett also produced a double-double, posting 55 dimes and 10 digs in the victory.
 
On Saturday (Sept. 2), Howard concludes the event against San Jose State and UC-Riverside. Match times are 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (ET), respectively.
 
For complete recaps, results and news of Bison athletics, please visit www.HUBison.com.