DOVER, Del. (November 18, 2022) – No. 2 Howard University women's volleyball team advanced to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Semifinal round after knocking out No. 7 Morgan State (MSU) in straight sets (25-13, 25-20, 25-14) at Memorial Hall on the campus of Delaware State University.
 
Collectively, HU eclipsed a .337 hitting percentage against the Lady Bears.
 
"Our biggest strength tonight was the team energy," said Howard women's volleyball head coach Shaun Kupferberg. "This is what you work for all year and we're excited to be here."
 
With the victory, HU secured its first 20-win season since 2019 (20-9). Howard faces No. 3 Delaware State in the MEAC Semifinal round Saturday (Nov. 19).
 
MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year Rya McKinnon (Bessemer, Ala.) led the way with a match-leading 14 kills while producing a .324 hitting percentage.
 
"I was a little nervous at the beginning," said McKinnon, playing in her first MEAC Tournament. "But once we got on the court and got warmed up, I was excited and ready to play. Our energy and effort played a big part in tonight's win.
 
Both squads were deadlocked at seven apiece in set one until the Bison went on a 7-0 run and took control of game one, 14-7. HU closed out game one on an 11-6 spurt.
 
MSU (3-26) scored the first four points in game two, but the Bison fought back. Morgan State held a slim 18-17 advantage until a quick 3-0 run put HU ahead and finished set two on an 8-3 run.
 
HU controlled game three from start to finish, ending the Lady Bears season.
 
MEAC Setter of the Year Kayla Diaz (Nanuet, N.Y.) racked up 38 assists, eight digs and a pair of aces in the win.
 
Justyus Jackson led the Lady Bears with nine kills in a losing effort.
 
Saturday's semifinal match is slated for 8:30 p.m. inside Memorial Hall.
 
"Delaware State is going to have a big crowd," McKinnon ended. "Our team feeds off big crowds, so it's going to be fun and we're excited."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.