WASHINGTON (November 2, 2022) – Howard University women's volleyball team fell in its midweek matchup against reigning American East Champions UMBC in four sets (25-23, 20-25, 18-25, 21-25) at Burr Gymnasium.
 
Freshman standout Rya McKinnon (Bessemer, Ala.) notched a double-double (19 kills & 11 digs), along with four total blocks and three service aces in the loss.
 
UMBC (14-6) held the upper hand late in set one, 21-19, until the Bison scored five unanswered to take the lead, 23-21. From that point, HU would close out the game with back-to-back kills from McKinnon and take opening set, 25-23.
 
Midway through set two, Howard held a slim 14-13 edge until the Retrievers went on a quick 3-0 spurt to take the lead, 16-14. McKinnon pulled HU within one after a kill, but UMBC would keep the Bison at bay and tie the contest at one apiece.
 
UMBC controlled majority of game three, eclipsing a .455 hitting percentage, and grab a 2-1 match advantage.
 
In game four, the Retrievers led from start-to-finish while registering a .417 hitting percentage.
 
Senior setter Kayla Diaz (Nanuet, N.Y.) recorded a double-double (38 assists & 10 digs) while newcomer Claire Simpson (Plainfield, Ill.) had a team-leading 13 digs.
 
Mia Bilusic led the Retrievers with a match-best 26 kills.
 
Howard (15-9) closes out the road slate with a pair of contests, beginning Friday (Nov. 4) at North Carolina Central. Match time is set for 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.