WASHINGTON (October 25, 2024) - Howard University volleyball highlighted senior night with a sweep (25-15, 25-14, 25-18) over South Carolina State (SCSU) Friday inside Burr Gymnasium.
 
The feat marks the squad's ninth straight win while improving to a 15-5 overall record (8-0 MEAC). The loss dropped SCSU to 3-16 (1-6 MEAC).
 
The Bison jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead. A four-count run composed of back-to-back blocks brought the Bulldogs within one, 7-6. SCSU would keep close to the Bison, posting a 9-8 deficit, but the herd soon ran away to a 17-12 advantage. The charge did not let up as the Bison capitalized on two aces from senior Dami Awojobi (Hempstead, N.Y.) in a 6-0 run for a 23-12 lead. A ball to the net gave the Bison set point before Howard took the first set, 25-15.
 
Howard broke out to a 3-0 lead, but the Bulldogs had more bite this time around, quickly tying the match, 4-4. Junior Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) set up four straight points for HU, doubling SCSU's score, 10-5. Fighting to close the gap, back-to-back kills helped lift the Bulldogs within one, 10-9. Consecutive kills from Awojobi and graduate Amanda Ifeanyichukwu (The Woodlands, Texas) set the Bison off on another surge, working their way to a 21-12 upper hand. Ifeanyichukwu led the charge with five kills. Reigning conference setter of the week Leah Reeves (Allen, Texas) sealed the deal with an ace to take the second set, 25-14.
 
In a closer fought battle, fans saw an even 5-5 scoreboard early in the final set, but a 6-1 run, spearheaded by Awojobi, earned Howard the lead once again, 11-6. A volley of kills and a service ace inched SCSU to a 12-11 deficit before the Bison pulled away, 17-14. Ifeanyichukwu positioned the Bison for match point before closing it out with a kill, 25-18.
 
McKinnon notched her 1000^th career kill in the shutout, adding to a week of accomplishments for the Bison. Fellow junior Claire Simpson (Plainfield, Ill.) marked her 1000^th career dig in Wednesday's win (Oct. 23) over UMBC.
 
Next up, the Bison host North Carolina Central Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m., in their Dig Pink-themed game.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.