WASHINGTON – Howard volleyball delivered a commanding 3–0 sweep over N.C. Central (25–15, 25–23, 25–11) on Friday night inside Burr Gymnasium. The win lifts the Bison to 14–9 overall and 8–4 in conference play, while the Eagles fall to 9–16 (6–6 MEAC).

Howard opened the scoring in the first set jumping out to a 4-1 lead behind consecutive kills from Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) and steady setting from Leah Reeves (Allen, Texas). A balanced attack featuring Kennedi Wright (Plano, Texas), Alexys James (Houston, Texas), and Kristen Dear (Carson, Calif.) pushed Howard ahead comfortably, 18-11. Late service aces from Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.) and Halie McGinest (Calabasas, Calif.) sealed the 25–15 win to claim the first set.

The second set saw a tighter battle as both sides traded points early. The Eagles managed to keep pace through the midpoint, but Howard's front line proved too much down the stretch. McKinnon continued to pace the attack with timely kills, while Reeves guided the offense with precision. A late flurry featuring kills from James and Dear helped the Bison close out the frame 25–23 to take a 2–0 match lead.

Reeves and McKinnon connected repeatedly as the Bison stormed out to a double-digit advantage in the final frame. James fueled the run with a pair of service aces, while McGinest added another from the line to keep momentum on Howard's side. Dominant play at the net from Dear and Kaitlynn Robinson (Oklahoma City, Okla.) shut down any Eagle comeback attempt as Howard cruised to a 25–11 victory and the sweep.

McKinnon led all players with 14 kills on a .464 hitting percentage, while James followed with nine kills, three aces, and eight digs. Wright added seven kills, and Dear chipped in six kills and two blocks. Reeves notched her 13th double-double of the season with 34 assists and 10 digs, while Robinson assisted with three blocks at the net.

As a team, the Bison outhit the Eagles .410 to .091, finishing with 40 kills, nine aces, and 10 total blocks. Howard also tallied 36 digs compared to N.C. Central's 28.

The Bison return to action on Sunday, November 9, at 12 p.m., when they host South Carolina State on Senior Day inside Burr Gymnasium.

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