BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie State women's volleyball team will return to Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) action Monday, Nov. 2, when the Bulldogs travel to Lincoln, Pa. to face Lincoln (PA) University . First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. as Bowie State looks to bounce back from a tough Senior Night matchup and earn another conference victory against the Lady Lions.
Bowie State enters Monday's contest at 12-14 overall and 10-10 in CIAA play following a five-set loss to Shaw University on Thursday, Oct. 29. The Bulldogs rallied to force a deciding fifth set after winning the fourth, 25-23, but Shaw secured the match with a 15-8 victory in the final frame.
When: Monday, Nov. 2 – 6 p.m.
Where: Lincoln University – Lincoln, Pa.
Watch: CIAA Network
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Bulldogs Look to Bounce Back on the Road
Bowie State will look to regroup following its Senior Night matchup against Shaw, where the Bulldogs demonstrated their ability to battle through adversity and extend a competitive conference contest to five sets. Bowie State finished the match with 41 kills, 40 assists, 65 digs and 11 total blocks.
The Bulldogs delivered a strong fourth-set performance, overcoming a 13-12 deficit to build a 21-14 advantage before closing out the frame, 25-23. Although Shaw claimed the deciding set, Bowie State continued to demonstrate its ability to compete at the net and generate momentum through its defensive play.
Entering Monday's matchup, Bowie State has recorded 994 kills, 888 assists, 183 service aces, 1,328 digs and 197.5 total blocks. The Bulldogs are averaging 10.2 kills, 9.2 assists, 13.7 digs and 2.0 blocks per set.
Asomani-Martin and Johnson Lead Offensive Attack
Abena Asomani-Martin continues to lead the Bulldogs offensively, entering the week with a team-high 156 kills while adding 211 digs and 20 service aces. She has averaged 1.79 kills and 2.43 digs per set, providing consistent production on both sides of the court.
Asomani-Martin delivered another strong performance against Shaw, recording 10 kills, a team-high 17 digs and three total blocks. Her all-around effort helped Bowie State remain competitive throughout the five-set matchup.
Taylor Johnson ranks among the Bulldogs' leading offensive contributors with 164 kills, 164 digs and 20 service aces. Johnson has averaged 1.93 kills and 1.93 digs per set while providing Bowie State with another dependable attacking option.
Payton Swinton has also been a key contributor, recording 168 kills, 179 digs and 33 service aces. Her ability to contribute offensively, defensively and from the service line gives Bowie State another versatile presence throughout its rotation.
Setter Gabrielle Hale continues to direct the Bulldogs' offense, leading the team with 641 assists while adding 145 digs, 44 total blocks and 35 service aces. Hale recorded 28 assists and three digs against Shaw as she helped coordinate the Bowie State attack.
Bulldogs Look to Complete Season Sweep Against Lincoln
Monday's contest will mark the second meeting between Bowie State and Lincoln (PA) this season. The Bulldogs earned a convincing 3-0 victory over the Lions on Oct. 27 at A.C. Jordan Arena, winning by set scores of 25-9, 25-15 and 25-15.
Bowie State controlled the first meeting from the opening serve, recording 30 kills while hitting .182. The Bulldogs also finished with 12 service aces, 29 assists, 38 digs and four total blocks while limiting Lincoln to 16 kills and a -.054 hitting percentage.
Spring Terry led the Bulldogs with seven kills on an impressive .417 hitting percentage and added three service aces. Trinity Loundmon contributed 13 assists and three aces, while Mil'lanni Marte led all players with 13 digs.
The Bulldogs will look to carry that same level of defensive pressure and serving consistency into Monday's rematch as they pursue a regular-season sweep of the Lions.
Lincoln (PA) Looks to Defend Home Court
Lincoln (PA) enters Monday's matchup looking to respond following a challenging conference season. The Lady Lions previously fell to Bowie State in straight sets on Oct. 27 and will look to use their home-court advantage to produce a different result in the rematch.
In the first meeting, LUPA was limited to a -.054 hitting percentage and struggled to establish offensive rhythm against the Bulldogs' defensive pressure. The Lady Lions recorded 16 kills and 13 assists, with Charly Manley leading the offense with 10 assists and contributing six digs. Elise Carter led LUPA with five kills.
Lincoln (PA) will look to improve its offensive efficiency and create more opportunities at the net against Bowie State. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their defensive discipline and apply pressure from the service line throughout the contest.
Bulldogs Continue Push Toward CIAA Tournament
With the regular season approaching its conclusion, Monday's matchup represents an important opportunity for Bowie State to strengthen its position in the CIAA standings. The Bulldogs will look to capitalize on their previous success against Lincoln (PA) while maintaining their offensive consistency and defensive presence.
A conference victory on the road would help Bowie State maintain its position among the league's top eight teams and strengthen its chances of advancing to the upcoming CIAA Women's Volleyball Championship scheduled for Nov. 8–9 in Rocky Mount, N.C.
Looking Ahead
Following Monday's matchup at Lincoln (PA) University, Bowie State will travel to Petersburg, Va., on Thursday, Nov. 5, to face Virginia State University at 6 p.m. for its regular season finale.
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.
