WASHINGTON, D.C. — The South Carolina State women's volleyball team continues its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) road swing with a matchup against Howard University as the Bulldogs look to regain momentum and secure their first conference victory of the season.
SC State (4-16 overall, 0-5 MEAC) enters the contest following a three-set setback at Norfolk State on Friday (Oct. 9). Despite recent challenges, the Bulldogs have shown determination throughout the season, including competitive performances against conference opponents.
The Bulldogs pushed Morgan State to five sets in their Oct. 4 meeting, narrowly falling 3-2 after winning the opening and third sets. SC State also captured a set against Maryland Eastern Shore earlier in conference play.
Offensively, the Bulldogs have recorded 769 kills and 698 assists through 20 matches, averaging 10.53 kills and 9.56 assists per set. Defensively, SC State has collected 966 digs and 99 total blocks while registering 103 service aces this season.
SC State Statistical Leaders
Kills
- Kenna Harris: Leads the Bulldogs with 166 kills, averaging 2.37 kills per set.
- Amani Hawkins: Ranks second with 142 kills and 2.15 kills per set.
- Ki'ra Wright: Has contributed 103 kills, averaging 1.41 per set.
Assists
- Macey McCoy: Leads the team with 268 assists, averaging 4.87 per set.
- Arianna James: Has recorded 226 assists, averaging 3.77 per set.
- Kiyla Mighty: Adds 107 assists, averaging 3.06 per set.
Digs
- Ki'ra Wright: Leads the Bulldogs with 213 digs, averaging 2.92 per set.
- Jordan Dalland: Ranks second with 197 digs, averaging 2.74 per set.
- Chloe Neal: Has collected 138 digs, averaging 1.92 per set.
Service Aces
Blocking
- Taelyn Graham: Leads SC State with 39 total blocks, including 14 solo blocks and 25 block assists.
- De'oni McPhearson: Has recorded 29 total blocks, including a team-high 18 solo blocks.
- Kenna Harris: Has contributed 20 total blocks.
Graham has been one of the Bulldogs' most efficient offensive performers, posting a team-leading .249 hitting percentage while contributing 75 kills.
SC State will look to establish offensive consistency behind Harris, Hawkins and Wright while relying on the defensive contributions of Dalland, Neal and Graham.
The Bulldogs have demonstrated their ability to compete away from home, earning road victories over Tuskegee and Fort Valley State earlier this season.
As conference competition continues, SC State will focus on improving its offensive execution, limiting unforced errors and maintaining defensive intensity against the Bison.
The matchup provides another opportunity for the Bulldogs to build confidence and develop consistency as they continue their MEAC schedule.
