BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie State women's volleyball team will return to Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) action Monday, Oct. 26, when the Bulldogs travel to Richmond, Va., to face Virginia Union University. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside Barco-Stevens Hall as Bowie State looks to continue its conference push with another road matchup against the Panthers.
Bowie State enters Monday's matchup at 11-12 overall and 8-9 in CIAA play following a split on the final day of the second CIAA Round-Up. The Bulldogs defeated Claflin University, 3-1, before falling to Livingstone College, 3-0, on Sunday, Oct. 18. Bowie State has three regular-season conference matches remaining following Monday's contest.
When: Monday, Oct. 26 – 6 p.m.
Where: Barco-Stevens Hall – Richmond, Va.
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Bulldogs Look to Build on Strong Round-Up Finish
Bowie State enters the matchup with momentum following a productive second CIAA Round-Up. The Bulldogs finished the weekend with a 3-3 record, earning victories over Johnson C. Smith University, Bluefield State University and Claflin University.
Against Claflin, Bowie State overcame an opening-set loss to win three consecutive sets and secure a 3-1 victory. The Bulldogs finished the match with 47 kills while hitting .258, along with eight service aces and five total blocks.
The Bulldogs have continued to demonstrate their ability to generate offense from multiple areas of the court throughout the season. Bowie State has recorded 889 kills, 795 assists, 151 service aces and 185.5 total blocks entering the week, while averaging 10.2 kills and 13.8 digs per set.
Johnson Leads Offensive Attack
Taylor Johnson continues to lead the Bulldogs offensively and enters Monday's matchup with a team-high 160 kills on the season. Johnson is averaging 1.98 kills per set and has recorded 20 service aces while adding 160 digs on the defensive end.
Johnson delivered another standout performance against Claflin, finishing with 16 kills, three service aces and 19.5 points while hitting .351. Her production helped Bowie State overcome the opening-set loss and close out the match with three consecutive victories.
Abena Asomani-Martin has also remained one of Bowie State's primary offensive weapons, ranking second on the team with 145 kills and adding 198 digs and 19 service aces. She also recorded a key performance during the Bulldogs' second Round-Up, contributing offensively while providing defensive production from the back row.
Setter Gabrielle Hale has directed the Bowie State offense throughout the season, leading the Bulldogs with 591 assists while also contributing 137 digs, 43 total blocks and 28 service aces.
Bulldogs Seek Different Result Against Virginia Union
Monday's matchup will be the second meeting between Bowie State and Virginia Union University this season. The Bulldogs earned a decisive 3-0 victory over the Lady Panthers on Sept. 28 at A.C. Jordan Arena, winning by set scores of 25-19, 25-16 and 25-17.
Bowie State controlled the first meeting offensively, finishing with 34 kills while hitting an impressive .355. The Bulldogs also recorded eight service aces, 12 total blocks and 32 digs in the sweep.
The Bulldogs will look to replicate that balanced performance on the road while maintaining pressure at the service line and continuing to limit Virginia Union's offensive opportunities.
Panthers Look to Defend Home Court
Virginia Union University enters the rematch at 9-13 overall and 6-10 in CIAA play following a 3-1 loss to Winston-Salem State University on Oct. 18. The Lady Panthers opened the match with a 25-20 victory before WSSU rallied to win the final three sets.
The Panthers have shown offensive firepower throughout the season, including a recent 3-1 victory over Bluefield State on Oct. 18. Virginia Union recorded 49 kills, nine service aces and 91 digs in the victory, with Madison Hill leading the Panthers with 14 kills and Alana Simmons adding 13 kills and seven service aces.
Virginia Union will look to use its home-court advantage to reverse the result of the September meeting, while Bowie State will attempt to complete the regular-season sweep of the Panthers.
Bulldogs Continue Push Toward CIAA Tournament
With the regular season entering its final stretch, Monday's matchup represents an important opportunity for Bowie State to strengthen its position in the CIAA standings. The Bulldogs will look to maintain their offensive consistency, create pressure with their serving and continue producing defensively as they pursue another conference victory.
A strong performance against Virginia Union would provide Bowie State with additional momentum heading into the final week of the regular season.
Looking Ahead
Following Monday's matchup at Virginia Union, Bowie State will return home Tuesday, Oct. 27, to host Lincoln University (Pa.) at 6 p.m. inside A.C. Jordan Arena. The Bulldogs will then close out the regular season at home Thursday, Oct. 29, against Shaw University at 6 p.m. for Senior Night.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit BSUBulldogs.com and follow the Bulldogs on social media.
