BALTIMORE (September 27, 2026) — Howard University volleyball rallied from an eight-point deficit in the second set and closed the match with a dominant fourth-set performance, defeating Morgan State (MSU), 3-1, Sunday afternoon inside Hill Field House. MSU (2-12, 1-1 MEAC) took the opening set, 25-21, before HU answered by winning the next three sets, 26-24, 25-21 and 25-15.
With the victory, the Bison improved to 2-11 overall (1-1 MEAC), snapping a five-match losing streak and securing their first conference win of the season.
The opening set was competitive early with the teams trading points before Morgan State created separation midway through the frame. Howard continued to battle and pulled within two, 19-21, but MSU maintained its advantage to take the set, 25-21.
Howard responded in the second set with one of its biggest comebacks of the season.
Morgan State built a 19-11 advantage, but the Bison answered with a 10-1 run to take a 21-20 lead. The run was highlighted by kills from Easnadh Nobel To'olo (Orono, Maine), Zenai Jethroe (Dallas) and Addison Buckner (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) helping Howard erase the deficit.
After the Lady Bears pulled even, 24-24, Sydnei Jones (Bridgeville, Pa.) delivered a kill to put Howard back in front, 25-24. The Bison then secured the set, 26-24, to even the match, 1-1.
The third set was the closest of the match with the teams remaining within striking distance throughout the frame.
Morgan State held an 18-17 advantage before Howard responded with five consecutive points to move ahead, 21-18. The Bison maintained the lead through the closing stretch, reaching 23-20 before MSU cut the deficit, 24-21. Buckner finished the set with a kill from Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.), giving Howard a 25-21 win and a 2-1 match lead.
Howard seized control early in the fourth set, taking a 5-2 lead before Morgan State pulled within one, 5-4. The Lady Bears remained within striking distance through the middle portion of the set, eventually cutting the margin to one, 14-13. From there, the Bison took over.
HU scored seven straight points to push its advantage, 21-14, with Nobel To'olo, Dayion Johnson (Jasper, Ala.) and Alexys James (Houston) contributing during the run. Howard continued to build its lead, reaching match point, 24-14. Morgan State scored once more, but Johnson closed the match with a kill from James, giving the Bison a 25-15 fourth-set victory and the 3-1 match win.
Buckner led Howard with 16 kills while Johnson added 13 kills with a .409 hitting percentage. James contributed eight kills and finished with a team-high 21 assists, three service aces and 13 digs. Jones added 20 assists and eight digs.
Shelton anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 20 digs while also recording five assists and an ace. Jethroe led Howard with three blocks while Corinne Howard (Derwood, Md.) and Nobel To'olo each added a block.
As a team, Howard finished with 55 kills and a .203 hitting percentage while holding Morgan State to a .123 attack percentage. The Bison also recorded six service aces and 59 digs.
Howard returns home Thursday, Oct. 1, hosting Delaware State at 6 p.m., inside Burr Gymnasium for Greek Night.
For more information on Howard volleyball visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.
