NORFOLK, Va. (October 15, 2026) — Howard University women's volleyball team got back in the win column after taking down Norfolk State (NSU) in four sets (25-17, 19-25, 25-21, 25-14) at the James D. Gill Health & Physical Education Building in Norfolk, Va.
With the win, HU improved to 7-12 (6-1 MEAC) while pushing its conference win streak to six.
Senior middle blocker
Zenai Jethroe (Dallas) led the Bison attack with a team-leading 15 kills while producing a .619 hitting percentage. Defensively, the Dallas native posted a match-high seven total blocks (four solos) in the victory.
HU led from wire-to-wire in game one despite numerous runs by the Spartans, recording a .276 hitting percentage with 12 kills. Howard capitalized on NSU's hitting errors to take a 25-17 set one win.
Despite taking a 6-1 advantage in game two, thanks to a pair of kills from Jethroe and reigning MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Rookie of the Week freshman outside hitter
Addison Buckner (Menomonee Falls, Wis.), Norfolk State rebounded and went on a 14-6 run to grab a 15-12 edge midway through the set. From there, the Spartans never relinquished, finished game two with a .367 hitting percentage and tied the match at one apiece.
NSU held a 13-9 lead midway through the set three until HU scored six unanswered, 15-13, highlighted by three service aces from second-year Bison
Alexys James (Houston). Howard withstood the Spartans' charge with an impressive .344 hitting percentage; thus, winning game three and taking a 2-1 match lead into set four.
HU's momentum carried into game four despite Norfolk State grabbing the upper hand early. After trailing 2-0, the Bison tallied seven unanswered and never looked back. Howard recorded a match-high .378 hitting percentage, topped the Spartans in set three, 25-14, and won the match in four, 3-1.
Buckner notched a double-double with 14 kills and 12 digs, along with a pair of service aces.
Senior setter
Sydnei Jones (Bridgeville, Pa.) also posted a double-double (27 assists & 10 digs) while junior libero
Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.) anchored the back line with a match-best 26 digs in the victory.
NSU (7-13, 3-4 MEAC) was led by Gabrielle Gilbert with 18 kills (match-high), eight digs and six service aces (match-best).
Howard returns to action Friday, Oct. 23, traveling to Baltimore to face Coppin State. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
