ORANGEBURG, S.C. (October 23, 2023) - Howard University volleyball wrapped up its Carolina trip with a 3-0 sweep (25-23, 25-19, 25-9) over South Carolina State (SCSU).
 
With the victory, HU extended its win streak to four while moving back to .500 (11-11) on the season.
 
Senior Amanda Ifeanyichukwu (The Woodlands, Texas) and sophomore standout Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) led the offense, sending over 11 kills apiece. Third-year Bison Bria Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) was close behind, contributing 10 kills in the win.
 
The Bulldogs broke out to a 9-5 lead before extending their advantage on a 7-2 run, 17-11. The Bulldog's momentum began to falter as they handed the Bison four straight points off errors. Howard would continue to close the gap with kills from McKinnon and Ifeanyichukwu.
 
A bad set would put a claim to frame one in arm's reach for the Bison, 24-22. SCSU bounced back with a kill but McKinnon closed out the set with a kill, assisted by DMV native newcomer Gabby Allen (Laurel, Md.), 25-23.
 
McKinnon opened frame two with a kill before fellow sophomore Claire Simpson (Plainfield, Ill.) followed up with an ace, 2-0. The Bison would capitalize on a four-point crusade to extend the lead, 7-1. 
 
The Bulldogs balanced the frame, 9-9, but the Bison stormed away, reaching a 23-18 lead before Ifeanyichukwu sent consecutive kills over the net, 25-19.
 
SC State set the tone for the final frame with a bad set. The Bulldogs registered five kills before Howard capitalized off the 13-2 charge to seal their fate, 25-9.
 
HU produced 47 kills while outhitting SCSU .293 to .120.
 
Fifth-year setter Kayla Diaz (Rockland, N.Y.) controlled the floor, adding 33 assists to her stats while Simpson, reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, covered the ground with a game-high 11 digs.
 
For SCSU (1-22, 0-9 MEAC), McKinley Roach had a team-leading six kills in the loss.
 
The Bison return to the Burr Friday, October 27, at 6 p.m., when they host Delaware State on Costume Night.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.