ITHACA, N.Y. — Howard University volleyball battled through three competitive sets but fell to UAlbany, 25-22, 25-22, 29-27, Saturday afternoon at Newman Arena.
The loss moved the Bison to 0-5 on the season, while UAlbany improved to 2-4. The match marked the conclusion of Howard's first road trip, which included three straight-set losses at the Cornell Invitational.
Howard opened the match with an early 2-0 lead behind kills from Easnadh Nobel Toolo (Orono, Maine) and
Zenai Jethroe (Dallas, Texas). The Great Danes responded with a 4-0 run, but the Bison remained within striking distance throughout the set. After UAlbany took an 11-7 lead, Howard answered with kills from
Sydnei Jones (Bridgeville, Pa.) and
Addison Buckner (Menomonee Falls, Wis.), cutting the deficit to one.
Camryn Shelton (Charlotte, N.C.) later sparked a 5-0 run with a kill, a service ace and an assist on a Buckner kill, giving Howard a 17-12 advantage. UAlbany regained control late in the set and closed on a 7-0 run to take the opener, 25-22.
The second set featured several lead changes early, with neither team holding more than a two-point advantage until the middle portion of the frame. Howard received kills from
Lauryn Wiley (Pearland, Texas), Buckner, and Jethroe before UAlbany built a 13-10 lead. The Bison responded with a 5-0 run, highlighted by two service aces from
Estrella Vazquez (Baton Rouge, La.) and a kill from
Dayion Johnson (Jasper, Ala.), to pull within 17-16. UAlbany answered with another run to extend its lead to 22-17. Howard continued to fight, receiving kills from
Tiana Stubbs (Fredericksburg, Va.), Wiley, Shelton and Buckner to cut the deficit to 24-22. The Great Danes secured the final point, however, to take a 2-0 match lead.
Howard saved its best fight for the third set. The Bison jumped out to a 6-1 lead after kills from Buckner and Jethroe, along with a service ace from
Gabby Allen (Laurel, Md.). UAlbany gradually erased the deficit and eventually took a 10-9 lead. Shelton responded with a pair of service aces, while Allen added another ace and Buckner contributed a kill as Howard reclaimed a 14-9 advantage. The Bison maintained the lead through the middle of the set, taking a 19-13 edge after a Buckner kill. UAlbany rallied again, tying the set at 19-19 before taking a 21-20 lead. Howard answered with kills from Buckner and Jethroe to move ahead, 23-21. The teams traded points down the stretch, with Howard fighting off multiple match points and tying the set at 24-24. Buckner and Jethroe continued to deliver in extra points, helping Howard take a 26-25 lead. UAlbany responded with consecutive points and eventually closed the set, 29-27, to complete the sweep.
Buckner led all Howard attackers with 16 kills, while Jethroe added 12 kills on 20 attacks with a .550 hitting percentage. Johnson finished with eight kills, and Nobel Toolo contributed four kills while hitting .300.
Jones recorded 33 assists, while Shelton led the defensive effort with 12 digs. Buckner added eight digs, and Allen finished with seven digs and two service aces. Shelton totaled three aces, while Vazquez added two.
As a team, Howard recorded 44 kills, eight service aces, six blocks and 37 digs.
The Bison return to action Tuesday, Sept. 8, when they travel to American for a 6 p.m. match.
For more information on Howard women's volleyball visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
