WASHINGTON (August 31, 2019) – Howard University Women's Volleyball team wrapped up the annual D.C. Challenge with a 3-0 (13-25, 21-25, 21-25) loss at crosstown rival George Washington (GW).

"We always learn a lot the opening weekend," said Howard women's volleyball head coach Shaun Kupferberg. "There were some great performances, but not enough consistency for us to be successful right now. The foundation is there, we just need to get better."
 
Howard (1-2) could not get into the rhythm, committing 19 hitting errors in the first two sets. GW cruised through the first set, thanks to a 9-0 advantage to open the contest.
 
HU bounced back in set two and held the upperhand late with a 21-19 lead after kill by freshman Tamar Wells (Apopka, Fla.), but the Colonials scored six unanswered to rally and win the set.
 
Midway through the third, Howard held a slight lead, 16-15, but attack errors from the Bison kept George Washington in the set where they took advantage. At that point, GW scored six unanswered, 21-16, and never looked back.
 
Junior Myca Mitchell (Clovis, Calif.) and sophomore Kailyn Williams (Arlington, Texas) each had a team-best eight kills while newcomer Kayla Diaz (Nanuet, N.Y.) produced a double-double, 18 assists and 14 digs, in a losing effort.
 
After the tournament, Diaz and junior Fola Wilson (Minneapolis, Minn.) were selected to the D.C. Challenge All-Tournament Team.
 
Monday (Sept. 2), Howard heads to College Park for Labor Day where the Maryland Terps await. Match time is set for 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.