COLUMBUS, Ohio (December 3, 2021) – Howard University women's volleyball team closed out its 2021 season with a 3-0 loss against No. 9 Ohio State (12-25, 7-25, 10-25) in the NCAA First Round.
 
With the loss, HU ended the year with an 18-13 overall mark.
 
Freshman Bria Woodard (Missouri City, Texas), Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year, finished her first season with five kills against the Buckeyes. Fellow classmate and sister Cimone Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) added four kills in a losing effort.
 
In game one, senior setter Milexa Cardona (Kissimmee, Fla.) put the Bison ahead early, 7-6, but the lead was short-lived as Ohio State (OSU) regained momentum and never looked back.
 
OSU (26-5) controlled the tempo from nearly start to finish, eclipsing a .349 hitting percentage in three sets.
 
HU could not get into a rhythm, committing 19 attack errors and 14 service errors.
 
Junior Essence Bell (Ocala, Fla.) recorded 10 digs in the loss.
 
Cardona and fellow seniors Busisiwe Banda (Cedar Park, Texas) and Kailyn Williams (Arlington, Texas) competed in their final match for the Bison.
 
Jenaisya Moore and Rylee Rader had seven kills apiece to lead the Buckeyes.
 
HU wrapped up the year winning its sixth MEAC title in seven years. Coach Shaun Kupferberg and the Bison look to defend their crown in the upcoming 2022 fall season.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.