WASHINGTON (August 28, 2026) — Howard University volleyball (0-1) fell to Maryland (1-0) in straight sets (25-23, 25-14, 25-22) Friday evening at Burr Gymnasium to open its 2026 campaign.
Standout setter
Alexys James (Houston) opened the season with a kill to start the scoring. The Bison battled the Terrapins throughout the opening set, overcoming several deficits and taking a late lead. Howard led, 18-16, before Maryland (UMD) responded to tie the set, 18-18. The two teams continued to trade points and HU fought back to even the score, 22-22, before tying the set again, 23-23. UMD scored the final two points to take the opening frame, 25-23.
The Terrapins carried their momentum into the second set, using an efficient offense to pull away to a 25-14 victory and take a 2-0 match lead.
Howard responded with another competitive effort in the third set. The Bison built an early 10-7 advantage and later took a 17-16 lead. Maryland answered to regain control, but HU continued to battle and tied the score, 20-20. The Terrapins eventually pulled ahead before closing out the set and the match, 25-22.
James led Howard with 11 kills and 16 assists, notching a double-double in her sophomore season debut.
Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.) anchored the Bison, defensively, with a match-high 14 digs.
Newcomers
Tiana Stubbs (Fredericksburg, Va.) and
Addison Buckner (Menomonee Falls, Wisc.) added seven kills apiece while
Zenai Jethroe (Dallas) recorded six kills and four blocks.
Corinne Howard (Derwood, Md.) also finished with four blocks as the Bison totaled six as a team.
The Bison return to action Sunday, Aug. 30, when they face crosstown rival George Mason at 2 p.m., in their Pride Day game.
For more information on Howard women's volleyball, visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
