WASHINGTON (October 23, 2022) – Howard University women's volleyball team topped rival Maryland Eastern Shore in four games (25-15, 19-25, 25-17, 25-23) at Burr Gymnasium on Alumni and Family Day.
 
With the win, HU (14-7, 7-1 MEAC) extended its season-long win streak to eight victories while the Hawks dropped to 3-6 in league play (5-16 overall).
 
Second-year Bison middle blocker Cimone Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) led the way with a match-best 12 kills, five total blocks (one solo) and four service aces in the victory.
 
Eastern Shore's Nkemjika Ikemefuna tied game one with an early service ace, 3-3, but the Bison never relinquished the lead. From that point, HU scored five unanswered to regain the upper hand and took set one after tallying six service aces, led by newcomer Leah Reeves (Allen, Texas) with four.
 
Maryland Eastern Shore tied the match at one apiece after eclipsing a .472 hitting percentage in game two, compared to the Bison's respectable .314.
 
In pivotal game three, HU regained the momentum and re-took the match lead, 2-1, after registering a .303 hitting percentage.
 
In set four, the Hawks battled and pulled within two after a kill from Sydney Morris, 9-7, but the Bison kept Eastern Shore at bay, thanks to the strong defensive presence of Woodard and junior outside hitter Jennifer Bolden (Los Angeles) combining for five total blocks in game four.
 
Senior setter Kayla Diaz (Nanuet, N.Y.) had a match-leading 37 assists and seven digs while freshman Claire Simpson (Plainfield, Ill.) anchored the back row with 14 digs in the win.
 
Morris led the Hawks with 10 kills while producing a .444 hitting percentage in the loss.
 
Howard begins a brief two-match road swing in Baltimore, starting Friday (Oct. 28) against Morgan State. Match time is set for 6 p.m. at the Hill Field House.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.