WASHINGTON (October 7, 2022) – The Howard University Volleyball team defeated Morgan State University (MSU) in straight sets, earning the Bison their first home conference win of the season (25-15, 25-19, 25-14).
 
Lefty powerhouse junior Jennifer Bolden (Los Angeles) led the way with a team-best nine kills while hitting .500 throughout the night.
 
In set one, the Bison maintained good ball control of the first contact, which allowed senior setter Kayla Diaz (Nanuet, N.Y.) to run her offense. Bolden ended the first set with a .500 hitting percentage while guiding HU to a 1-0 advantage after game one.
 
The second set started off with a big dig by Diaz that was put away by Bolden on the second contact. Immediately after the momentous play, the freshman phenom outside hitter Rya McKinnon (Bessemer, Ala.) had a huge block that added to the Bison momentum. Senior middle blocker Tamar Wells (Apopka, Fla.) dominated the second set as she put up a pair of back-to-back kills.
 
Although the Bears caught a four-point run after some good serves and finding success with their middle hitters, Morgan State fell short in the second set after producing a .054 team hitting percentage.
 
The third set began with a long rally that was concluded by a dump from MSU's Mackenzie Jefferson. Senior outside hitter Alex Smith (New Orleans) immediately impacted the match with her energy and powerful arm swing that earned her two kills.
 
At 12-8, sophomore defensive specialist Taylor Johnson (South Fulton, Ga.) served an ace that began a four-point serving run, establishing a bigger lead for Howard. After a jaw dropping dig from freshman defensive specialist Claire Simpson (Plainfield, Ill.), Bolden sent the ball over the net, earning game point for the Bison. The match was ended by yet another kill from Bolden on the right side.
 
Bolden and McKinnon combined for 15 kills in the victory.
 
Morgan State sophomore outside hitter Madison Grace put up 15 total kills in the match.
 
On Sunday (Oct 9) at 1 p.m., the Bison will face Coppin State University in the "Pride Game" at Burr Gymnasium.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.