WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard University volleyball (8-15, 7-4 MEAC) recorded its first sweep of the season Sunday afternoon, defeating Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) (2-20, 1-10 MEAC), 3-0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-14), at Burr Gymnasium.
UMES inched their way to a 5-3 lead. The Hawks continued to build their advantage, putting together a five-point run to extend the lead to 15-7.
Howard responded with a 6-1 run to cut the deficit to three, 18-15. UMES regained momentum with a 4-1 stretch, crossing the 20-point mark and moving closer to taking the set. The Bison, however, mounted their biggest push of the frame, using an 8-1 charge to turn the deficit into a 26-24 set victory.
The Bison carried that momentum into the second set, with
Alexys James (Houston, Texas) opening the frame with three consecutive service aces to give Howard an early 3-0 advantage. Howard continued to capitalize offensively, extending its lead to 11-3.
UMES attempted to close the gap, but the Bison maintained control. Howard crossed the halfway mark with a 16-5 lead and continued to trade points with the Hawks down the stretch. The Bison reached set point at 24-14 before closing out the frame, 25-16, to take a 2-0 match advantage.
Howard opened the scoring for the third straight frame. After UMES tied the score at 1-1, the Bison moved ahead 4-1 behind consecutive service aces from
Lauryn Wiley (Pearland, Texas). The Bison continued to build separation, using a strong stretch of attacking to move ahead 12-5. Howard maintained its advantage through the middle of the set, reaching a 20-9 lead. UMES put together a late push, scoring five of the next seven points to pull within 22-14, but Howard answered with three of the final four points to secure the set, 25-14, and complete the sweep.
Addison Buckner (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) led Howard with 10 kills, while
Zenai Jethroe (Dallas, Texas) and
Dayion Johnson (Jasper, Ala.) added eight kills apiece. James paced the offense with 22 assists and added four of Howard's seven service aces.
Sydnei Jones (Bridgeville, Pa.) contributed 19 assists, while
Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.) led the defensive effort with 19 digs.
As a team, Howard finished with 46 kills, 42 assists, 43 digs and seven service aces while hitting .270. The Bison held UMES to a .089 hitting percentage and 25 total kills.
Howard volleyball returns to the court Friday, Nov. 6, traveling to face North Carolina Central. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
For more information on volleyball, visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
