ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The South Carolina State women's volleyball team returns to the court Sunday, Nov. 8, when the Bulldogs host Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Howard University at Dukes Gymnasium.
First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.
South Carolina State (6-22 overall, 1-11 MEAC), under interim head coach Chymaine Guinyard, looks to return to the win column after a hard-fought five-set loss to Norfolk State on Friday. The Bulldogs battled throughout the contest, winning the opening set 26-24 and forcing a decisive fifth set before falling 15-10.
Despite the setback, SC State continues to show determination and competitive improvement as the Bulldogs prepare for another challenging conference matchup.
Howard (9-15, 8-4 MEAC) enters Sunday's contest riding a two-match winning streak following a 3-0 sweep of Maryland Eastern Shore on Nov. 1 and a five-set victory over North Carolina Central on Friday.
The Bison claimed the first meeting between the two programs this season, earning a 3-1 victory Oct. 11 in Washington, D.C. South Carolina State captured the third set 25-22 before Howard secured the conference win.
Sunday's matchup presents another opportunity for the Bulldogs to defend their home court and build momentum as the regular season winds down.
Bulldogs to Watch
South Carolina State has received contributions from several players throughout the season, led by
Kenna Harris, Amani Hawkins and
Ki'ra Wright.
- Kenna Harris: Leads the Bulldogs with 221 kills, averaging 2.26 per set, while adding 30 total blocks.
- Amani Hawkins: Ranks second on the team with 160 kills, averaging 2.13 per set, with 11 total blocks.
- Ki'ra Wright: Leads SC State with 315 digs and 25 service aces while contributing 105 kills.
- Carra Pierre-Louis: Has recorded 124 kills, 51 digs and 10 service aces.
- Macey McCoy: Leads the Bulldogs with 356 assists and has contributed 117 digs.
- Arianna James: Has distributed 357 assists, the highest total on the team, while adding 123 digs and 17 service aces.
- De'oni McPhearson: Leads the team with 49 total blocks, including 28 solo blocks.
- Taelyn Graham: Has contributed 81 kills and 44 total blocks while posting a team-best .220 hitting percentage among players with at least 100 attacks.
Scouting Howard
The Bison enter the matchup with an 8-4 conference record and several offensive threats.
Addison Buckner leads Howard with 267 kills, averaging 3.10 per set, while Zenai Jethroe has registered 218 kills and 83 total blocks. Jethroe also leads the Bison with a .344 hitting percentage.
Alexys James has distributed 436 assists, while Sydnei Jones has added 435. Defensively, Camryn Shelton leads Howard with 397 digs, averaging 4.41 per set.
Howard averages 11.76 kills, 10.91 assists and 13.23 digs per set, compared with SC State's 10.37 kills, 9.42 assists and 12.69 digs per set.
Matchup by the Numbers
| Category |
SC State |
Howard |
| Overall record |
6-22 |
9-15 |
| MEAC record |
1-11 |
8-4 |
| Total kills |
1,047 |
1,058 |
| Kills per set |
10.37 |
11.76 |
| Hitting percentage |
.115 |
.172 |
| Total assists |
951 |
982 |
| Service aces |
135 |
139 |
| Total digs |
1,282 |
1,191 |
| Total blocks |
155 |
154.5 |
Keys to the Matchup
For South Carolina State, offensive consistency, limiting attack errors and maintaining defensive intensity will be critical against a Howard team that has won eight conference matches.
The Bulldogs will look to establish their attack through Harris and Hawkins while relying on McCoy and James to distribute the ball effectively.
SC State will also seek to capitalize on its blocking opportunities and improve its performance in close sets after pushing Norfolk State to five sets in its previous outing.
Match Information
South Carolina State vs. Howard
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET
Dukes Gymnasium | Orangeburg, S.C.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Follow the Match: Fans can follow Sunday's action through the official SC State Athletics website.
ABOUT SC STATE ATHLETICS
South Carolina State University sponsors 16 NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic programs and competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. For the latest news, schedules and updates, visit
SCSUAthletics.com.
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