BOWIE, MD --The Bowie State women's volleyball team will host Virginia State University this Thursday, Sep. 26 for its Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) opener inside A.C. Jordan Arena at 6 p.m.

When: Thursday, Sept.26 at 6 p.m.
Where: A.C. Jordan Arena (Bowie, MD)
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Video: CLICK HERE
Bowie State Athletics Social Media: @BSU_Sports_Info (Twitter), @bowiestatebulldogs (Instagram)

Clear Bag Policy
Fans will only be able to carry the following style and size bag into the stadium all of which are subject to search.
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags, measuring 4.5" x 6.5" with or without a handle or strap
• All other bags will not be permitted. A list of prohibited bags includes but is not limited to: purses, backpacks, drawstring bags that are not clear, briefcases, coolers, fanny packs, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, binocular cases, and diaper bags. Guests are encouraged to return unauthorized items to their vehicles. Bowie State University cannot safeguard items that are not permitted into the stadium. 

The Series
Thursday's match up will be just the 31st time the two programs will meet since 2008, as the Trojans own a 28-2 record against Bowie State. Notably, the Bulldogs win over the Trojans in 2023 had snapped a 28-match losing skid for BSU. That win also sealed the Bulldogs appearance in the CIAA Quarterfinal Round for the first time since 2019.

Last Timeout
Bowie State (2-9) dropped four matches this past weekend in the Charleston Tournament hosted by Charleston (WV). BSU's Nicole Taylor and Nina Edwards were selected to the Golden Eagle Invitational All-Tournament Team.

Finding a Groove
As a team, Bowie State averages 8.8 kills per set, 8.0 assists, 1.1 service aces, 11.7 digs and 2.1 blocks per set through 11 matches this season. Edwards leads the Bulldogs in kills (57) and blocks (28) while Trinity Loundmon is the team's leader in assists (106) and second in digs (48). Taylor Johnson leads the team in aces (9) and digs (84). Johnson Earns CIAA Nod Johnson was selected as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Rookie of the Week. The award is the first for Johnson and second for Bowie State on the season. The Severn, Md., native recorded a team-high 14 digs against D'Youville this past weekend. Johnson leads the team in digs (84) and offensively leads the aces (9), throughout 11 games.

A Look at the Trojans
Virginia State enters Thursday's match with a 2-4 record, after defeating West Virginia Wesleyan 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 26-24) on Sep. 21. Helena Eubanks led the Trojans in kills with 12, while Adrianna Bacon recorded two aces. Gracie Darville finished defensively with nine digs in the win this past Saturday. VSU went 1-2 at the Concord Classic over the weekend, falling to Concord, 3-2 and Davis & Elkins, 3-2.

Leaders for the Trojans are Darville with a team-high 61 kills, while Peyton Reese has 91 assists, Denver Watkins owns five service aces, Kellee Craig has 46 digs and Anaya McKinley has earned 33 blocks through six matches.

Up Next
The Bulldogs will stay home to host Elizabeth City State on Monday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. inside A.C. Jordan Arena.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com.