WASHINGTON (August 31, 2025) – Howard University volleyball (1-2) fell, 3-0, to the University of Virginia (UVA) Sunday afternoon inside Burr Gymnasium.
 
The match opened with a tie through the first five points; however, the Cavaliers (3-0) began to pull away after a 5-1 run, led by Becca Wight, giving UVA a 10-6 lead. Howard responded, narrowing the gap to one point with three consecutive attacks, bringing the score to 10-9. Although the Bison stayed close, the Cavaliers then went on a four-point, uninterrupted surge, prompting an HU timeout, 19-14. Soon after, Zenai Jethroe (Dallas) broke up a volley of kills with one of her own, briefly holding UVA at set point, but the Cavaliers finished the set, 25-18.
 
In the second set, Jethroe and Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) opened with a block. Shortly after, UVA gained the lead with a 6-2 run. A service ace from McKinnon brought the Bison within one before the Cavaliers doubled the score, 10-5. As the set continued, Howard fought back to tie the score, 14-14. After this rally, UVA inched away again, 21-14, causing the Bison to re-strategize. HU managed three more points with back-to-back kills, but a final attack from Virginia closed the set, 25-17.
 
UVA jumped to a 10-5 lead in game three. After falling behind, 19-12, Howard battled its way back, 22-18, led by Aziah Buckner's (Memphis, Tenn.) consecutive aces and kills, forcing a UVA timeout. HU held the Cavaliers at match point for five straight attacks, highlighted by a block from McKinnon and Kristen Dear (Carson, Calif.), tying the score, 24-24, but errors ended the final set, 26-24.
 
McKinnon led the way with 16 kills, four total blocks, two aces and two digs. Buckner contributed eight kills, four digs and two aces.
 
Leah Reeves (Allen, Texas) managed 25 assists while leading defensively with eight digs.
 
The Bison return to action on Sept. 4 when they travel to Jacksonville, Fla., to compete in the UNF Invitational where they battle against Harvard (Sept. 5), Presbyterian College (Sept. 6) and host North Florida (Sept. 7).
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website at www.hubison.com.