ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Howard University volleyball (10-15, 9-4 MEAC) recorded its second sweep of the season Sunday, defeating South Carolina State (6-23, 1-12 MEAC) in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20 and 25-13, at Dukes Gymnasium. The Bison finished with 44 kills, seven service aces and nine blocks to secure the conference win.
Howard opened the first set with a 4-1 advantage before South Carolina State responded to close the gap. The Bulldogs eventually pulled ahead, but the Bison battled back to tie the score at 6-6. The teams continued trading points through the middle of the set, with the score tied at 17-17 before South Carolina State moved ahead 19-17.
Howard answered to even the set at 19-19, then took control. After another tie at 21-21, the Bison scored four consecutive points to close out the set, 25-21.
The second set got off to another competitive start, with the teams trading points and neither side establishing a substantial lead. Howard moved ahead 7-6 before South Carolina State tied the score at 7-7. The Bison continued to maintain pressure, eventually building a 15-13 lead.
Howard extended its advantage with a late push, using a service ace from
Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.) and a kill from
Corinne Howard (Derwood, Md.) to help create separation. The Bison maintained their lead through the closing points, with
Addison Buckner (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) delivering the final kill for a 25-20 set victory and a 2-0 match advantage.
Howard carried its momentum into the third set, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. The Bison continued to build on that advantage, moving ahead 7-2 before South Carolina State attempted to respond. Howard's defensive presence at the net and pressure from the service line helped fuel the run.
The Bison stretched their lead to 13-7, then continued to pull away. A kill from
Zenai Jethroe (Dallas, Texas), followed by an ace from
Alexys James (Houston, Texas), helped push Howard's advantage to 16-9. Howard kept the pressure on through the final points, reaching match point at 24-13 before Buckner delivered the final kill to seal the 25-13 win. The 12-point margin marked Howard's largest set victory of the match.
Corinne Howard led the Bison with 11 kills, while Buckner added 10. Jethroe contributed eight kills and a match-high five blocks. James paced the offense with 26 assists and added seven digs and two service aces.
Sydnei Jones (Bridgeville, Pa.) recorded 11 assists, while Shelton led the team with 14 digs and added two aces.
As a team, Howard finished with 44 kills on a .278 hitting percentage, compared to South Carolina State's 26 kills and .069 hitting percentage. The Bison also held advantages in assists (40-23), service aces (7-1) and digs (37-31).
Howard returns home Friday, Nov. 13, for its regular-season finale against Norfolk State at 6 p.m. in their 90s Night game.
For more information on women's volleyball, visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
