BOWIE, Md. -- Bowie State women's volleyball will return to the road Tuesday, Sept. 15, when the Bulldogs travel to Norfolk, Va., to take on Norfolk State University at Gill Gymnasium. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. as Bowie State looks to build on its opening weekend at the Fairmont State Classic and prepare for the start of CIAA play.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. (ET)
Where: Gill Gymnasium – Norfolk, Va.
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Overlook of Early Season
The Bulldogs enter Tuesday's matchup with a 2-2 record after competing in four matches at the Fairmont State Classic on Aug. 28-29. Bowie State opened the season with a 3-0 loss to Fairmont State before responding with a 3-1 victory over Lees-McRae. On the second day of competition, the Bulldogs split their two matches, defeating Lees-McRae College after falling to Anderson (S.C.) in three sets. Head coach Edric Poitier enters his fifth season at the helm of the Bulldogs and will look to continue building on a program that finished 14-18 overall and 9-7 in CIAA play in 2025 before advancing to the semifinals of the CIAA Championship Tournament. Bowie State returns a strong core of experienced players from last season while also adding new talent to the roster. Among the notable additions is transfer setter Gabby Hale, who earned First Team All-CIAA honors at Bluefield State last season and was selected to the 2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team following her arrival at Bowie State. With nine returners back on the roster, the Bulldogs possess a blend of veteran experience and newcomers as they prepare for their second road test of the season.
A Strong Opening Weekend
Bowie State's opening weekend provided the Bulldogs with an opportunity to compete against a challenging collection of Division II programs. The Bulldogs finished the Fairmont State Classic with two victories and two losses, including a 3-1 victory over Lees-McRae to close the tournament. The early portion of the schedule is designed to challenge Bowie State before the Bulldogs begin CIAA play. Following Tuesday's matchup with Norfolk State, Bowie State will return home for three consecutive conference contests against Virginia State, Elizabeth City State and Virginia Union.
Scouting Norfolk State
Norfolk State enters Tuesday's matchup with a 2-2 record through the opening portion of its 2026 campaign. The Spartans opened the season with a 3-1 loss to USC Upstate before responding with a 3-1 victory over Elon. Norfolk State then dropped a 3-0 decision to Old Dominion before earning a 3-2 victory over Hampton. The Spartans are led by head coach Kathy Bullock, who enters her eighth season at the helm. Norfolk State finished the 2025 season with a 5-24 overall record and a 3-11 mark in MEAC play, but the program enters 2026 with renewed expectations and a goal of competing for a conference championship. Norfolk State's 2026 roster features a mixture of returning players and newcomers, including setter/defensive specialist Jasmine Mataira, middle blocker Mikayla Middleton, outside hitter Isis Castille and several veteran players who give the Spartans added experience at the net and in the back row. The Spartans will also enter Tuesday's match having already faced several challenging opponents, including Old Dominion and Hampton, giving Norfolk State valuable early-season experience heading into the matchup with Bowie State.
Road Test Before CIAA Play
Tuesday's contest represents the final non-conference road matchup for Bowie State before the Bulldogs begin CIAA competition. The Bulldogs will return to A.C. Jordan Arena on Monday, Sept. 21, when they host Virginia State at 6 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, visit BSUBulldogs.com.
