BALTIMORE, Md. — Despite a strong offensive showing from Aziah Buckner (Memphis) and Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.), Howard volleyball fell in four sets (21–25, 25–21, 25–27, 24–26) to Morgan State Sunday afternoon inside Hill Field House. The result moves the Bison to 11–9 overall and 5–4 in MEAC play, while the Bears improve to 9–10 (6–3 MEAC).

Howard started the match strong, hitting .276 in the opening frame with 13 kills, led by early offense from Buckner and McKinnon. The Bears responded late, however, using a 10–3 run to close the first set 25–21.

The Bison regrouped quickly, riding a .345 attack percentage to take the second set 25–21. McKinnon and Buckner each added four kills in the frame, while setter Leah Reeves (Allen, Texas) steered the offense with 13 assists as Howard evened the match at one set apiece.

Set three proved pivotal, featuring 12 ties and six lead changes. Howard led 25–24 but couldn't close it out, as Morgan State edged ahead 27–25 behind late kills. The Bears carried that momentum into the fourth, surviving another tight battle as Howard fought off two match points before falling 26–24.

Buckner and McKinnon each finished with 15 kills, while Kristen Dear contributed 10 on an efficient .316 clip. Reeves paced the Bison offense with a match-high 48 assists, marking her 10th 40+ assist game of the season while adding eight digs. Defensively, Buckner and Camryn Shelton led the way with 17 digs apiece, and Zenai Jethroe and Reeves each tallied three total blocks.

As a team, Howard outhit Morgan State .189 to .146, posting 57 kills to the Bears' 45. The Bison also led in service aces (8–4) and digs (74–67), while the hosts finished with an 11–7 advantage in blocks.

Howard returns to action on Friday, October 31, hosting Delaware State in a Halloween Night matchup inside Burr Gymnasium at 6 p.m.

For more information on Howard University Athletics, visit the official Howard Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.