DOVER, Del. (November 24, 2024) – Howard University women's volleyball team came up short in a five-set thriller (24-26, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 7-15) to Delaware State (DSU) in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Title match in Dover, Del.
 
All-MEAC selection Dami Awojobi (Hempstead, N.Y.) led the way with a double-double (16 kills & 14 digs) while three-time MEAC Player of the Year Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) had a match-leading 18 kills in the loss.
 
Both squads went back-and-forth in game one, but DSU held on to take the first frame, 26-24.
 
Delaware State took an early 9-4 advantage early in set two, but the Bison gradually chipped away at the deficit. DSU held a slim lead until a quick 3-0 run gave HU enough separation to win game two, 25-20, and tie the match, 1-1.
 
DSU took advantage of several hitting errors by the Bison in game three; thus, taking a 2-1 match lead into set four.
 
Down, but not out, HU refused to go away quietly. Howard produced a .405 hitting percentage while forcing a deciding fifth set.
 
In game five, Delaware State led throughout while registering a .450 hitting percentage to win its second MEAC title in three seasons.
 
McKinnon and senior middle blocker Cimone Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) were named to the All-Tournament Team. Woodard finished the night with 16 kills.
 
For DSU (17-13), Valeria Otero and Gerren Tomlin each notched a double-double in the win.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.