WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard University volleyball extended its winning streak to five matches Sunday, defeating South Carolina State University, 3-1 (25-16, 25-14, 22-25, 25-13), on Senior Day at Burr Gymnasium. The Bison improved to 6-11 overall and 5-1 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
After the teams traded points early, the Bison established a 7-3 advantage and continued to build momentum. With Howard leading 9-5, the Bison rattled off six consecutive points to stretch their lead to 15-5. Reigning MEAC Rookie of the Week
Addison Buckner (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) delivered multiple kills during the run, while
Alexys James (Houston, Texas) helped facilitate the offense. South Carolina State responded late, cutting the deficit to 18-15, but Howard closed the set by scoring seven of the final eight points.
Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.) delivered back-to-back service aces to help seal the opening frame.
The Bison carried that momentum into the second set, winning 25-14 to take a 2-0 match lead. The teams battled through an early 5-5 tie before Howard gradually created separation. South Carolina State pulled within one at 12-11, but the Bison answered with a decisive stretch, scoring five of the next six points to move ahead 17-13. Buckner then took over offensively, recording three consecutive kills as Howard extended its advantage to 22-13. Senior
Zenai Jethroe (Dallas, Texas) contributed a kill late in the set before the Bison closed out the frame, putting themselves one set away from the match victory.
South Carolina State retaliated in the third set. The teams traded points through the opening stages, reaching an 8-8 tie before the Bulldogs used consecutive service aces from Jordan Dalland to take a 10-8 lead. Howard answered to even the score at 10-10, and the teams continued to exchange points through a 14-14 deadlock. South Carolina State then gained control, building a 20-15 advantage. The Bison battled back with three consecutive points, including kills from senior
Kaitlynn Robinson (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and
Kennedi Wright (Plano, Texas), to pull within 20-18. Howard continued to fight, closing the gap to 23-21, but the Bulldogs secured the final two points to force a fourth set.
Howard responded in the fourth, opening with seven consecutive points on senior
Gabby Allen's (Laurel, Md.) serve to take a 7-0 lead. The early surge featured kills from Buckner, James and Jones, along with blocks by Robinson and James that helped disrupt the Bulldogs' attack. South Carolina State chipped away at the deficit, but the Bison maintained control. After Howard built a 12-6 advantage, Robinson recorded consecutive kills and
Briana Pagan added another to extend the lead to 15-6. The Bulldogs made another push, but Howard responded with a four-point stretch to move ahead 22-10. Jethroe delivered two kills late in the set, and Howard secured the 25-13 win to clinch the match.
Following the victory, Howard celebrated Senior Day by recognizing their two managers along with athletes Allen, Jones, Jethroe, Robinson and Wright. The seven seniors were honored for their impact and contributions to the program.
Howard recorded 61 kills and hit .386 as a team. Buckner led all players with 15 kills, while Jethroe added 11 kills on a .474 hitting percentage. James contributed nine kills, 24 assists and five blocks, while Jones added 22 assists. Defensively, Shelton recorded a match-high 21 digs and three service aces.
Howard returns to action Tuesday, Oct. 13, traveling to face UMBC at 5 p.m.
For more information on Howard volleyball, visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
