FAIRFAX, Va. (August 30, 2025) – Howard University women's volleyball team suffered its first loss of the season, falling to DMV rival George Mason in four sets (26-28, 25-12, 15-25, 14-25).
 
Senior outside hitter Rya McKinnon (Hoover, Ala.) led the charge with a match-leading 17 kills.
 
Both squads went back-and-forth in the opening set with neither side able to create separation. Freshman setter Alexys James (Houston) tied set one, 26-26, in the waning moments with a kill, but back-to-back hitting errors put Mason ahead after game one, 28-26.
 
HU (1-1) rebounded in set two with a dominant showing, registering a .455 hitting percentage. After trailing, 1-0, in game two, the Bison went on a quick 5-0 spurt and never looked back to tie the match, 1-1.
 
George Mason (1-1) regained the momentum in game three, producing a .385 hitting percentage. For Howard, they were unable to duplicate its performance in set two. The Patriots took a 2-1 match lead into set four.
 
Both clubs were tied early on in game four, but George Mason kept the pressure on. In set four, the Bison recorded an impressive .353 hitting percentage, but the Patriots countered with a scorching .640 hitting percentage to close out the contest.
 
Reigning MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Setter of the Year Leah Reeves (Allen, Texas) had a match-high 31 assists in the loss.
 
Kiera Hamilton led the Patriots with a double-double (16 kills & 10 digs).
 
Sunday (Aug. 31), Howard closes out Labor Day Weekend hosting Virginia. Match time is slated for 1 p.m., inside The Burr.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.