RALEIGH, N.C. (August 31, 2023) – Howard University volleyball (2-2-0) set off its business trip in North Carolina on a low note, dropping Thursday night's match, 3-1, to NC State (3-1-0).
 
Reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Week Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) registered her third double-double of the season, producing 20 digs (career-high) and 11 kills in the loss.
 
After letting set one slip away, 25-20, HU bounced back to win game two, 27-25, and tying the match at one apiece.
 
The Bison appeared to lose steam in set three as the Wolfpack claimed the biggest advantage of the night with a 25-16 win.
 
NC State continued the momentum in game four with 13 kills and a 25-19 victory to close out the match.
 
The Bison managed 10 ties throughout the battle while gaining the lead three times.
 
MEAC Setter of the Week Kayla Diaz (Rockland, N.Y.) commanded the offense, recording 35 of the Bison's 38 assists.
 
Defensively, second-year Bison Claire Simpson (Plainfield, Ill.) had a match-leading 21 digs.
 
Texas native Cimone Woodard (Missouri City) returned to the court after suffering an injury on opening weekend. The junior middle blocker recorded six kills and five total blocks.
 
The Bison continue their business trip in North Carolina with a matchup against Winthrop Friday, September 1 at 2 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.