BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie State women's volleyball team returns home on Monday, Sept. 21, to host the Virginia State Trojans in its 2026 home opener inside A.C. Jordan Arena. First serve is set for 6 p.m. as the Bulldogs open Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) home play.
When: Monday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. (ET)
Where: A.C. Jordan Arena – Bowie, Md.
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Pajama Night A.C.Jordan Arena
Bowie State's home opener will feature a special Pajama Night theme, giving Bulldog Nation the chance to create a fun and spirited atmosphere inside A.C. Jordan Arena. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and rally behind the Bulldogs as they open their 2026 CIAA home schedule in front of the home crowd.
Home Opener and CIAA Play
Bowie State enters Monday's matchup with a 2-3 overall record after competing in the Fairmont State Classic back in late August and a nonconference tilt with Division I Norfolk State Tuesday. The Bulldogs went 2-2 during the classic before succumbing to the Spartans in a sweep earlier this week. Bowie State finished the match with 23 kills, seven service aces and 33 digs. Payton Swinton led the Bulldogs with eight kills for a total of 11 points while Gabrielle Hale directed the offense with 16 assists and Reece Culver recorded a team-high seven digs.
Ready for the Home Crowd
After opening the season with five-straight road tilts, Bowie State will finally have the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd. The Bulldogs return a strong core from last season while welcoming several newcomers, including transfer Hale, who earned First Team All-CIAA honors at Bluefield State last season and was selected to the 2026 Preseason All-CIAA Team. Hale has already played an important role in the Bulldogs' offensive attack, including her 16-assist performance against Norfolk State. Swinton has also provided an early offensive spark, while Culver and the Bulldogs back row continue to provide defensive support as BSU now transitions into conference play.
Scouting Virginia State
Virginia State enters Monday's matchup with a 3-5 overall record and a 1-0 mark in CIAA play following a 3-0 victory over Shaw on Sept. 16. The Trojans opened the season at the UNC Pembroke Invitational, earning victories over Barton and Middle Georgia State while also facing UNC Pembroke and Embry-Riddle. Following the season opener, VSU then competed in the Lock Haven Classic.The Trojans are led offensively by Gracie Darville, who recorded 12 kills and a .276 hitting percentage in Virginia State's most recent victory over Shaw. Peyton Reese directed the offense with a team-high 14 assists, while Kellee Craig led the defensive effort with 10 digs. As a team, VSU enters the matchup averaging 10.8 kills and 13.7 digs per set while recording 1.6 blocks per set.
A Familiar CIAA Opponent
Monday's matchup begins another CIAA campaign for two programs that are familiar with one another. Virginia State will enter A.C. Jordan Arena looking to carry the momentum from its conference-opening victory, while Bowie State will look to use its first home contest to establish momentum early in league play.
Looking Ahead
With the home opener and the start of CIAA play both arriving Monday night, Bowie State will look to build momentum after its early-season road stretch and conference opener. The Bulldogs will remain at A.C. Jordan Arena for two additional CIAA contests, hosting Elizabeth City State on Sept. 24 before welcoming Virginia Union on Sept. 28 as part of a three-match homestand.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit BSUBulldogs.com.
