BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie State women's volleyball team will continue its three-match homestand Monday, Sept. 28, when the Bulldogs host Virginia Union University inside A.C. Jordan Arena. First serve is set for 6 p.m. as Bowie State continues Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play against the Panthers.
When: Monday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. (ET)
Where: A.C. Jordan Arena – Bowie, Md.
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Jersey Night at A.C. Jordan Arena
Monday's matchup will feature Jersey Night, giving Bulldog Nation an opportunity to show their team spirit by wearing their favorite jerseys. Fans are encouraged to come out to A.C. Jordan Arena, represent the teams they support and create an energetic atmosphere as the Bulldogs continue their CIAA schedule.
Bulldogs Continue CIAA Play
Bowie State enters Monday's contest at 2-5 overall and 0-2 in CIAA play following a five-set setback against Elizabeth City State on Thursday. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 2-0 lead after winning the opening two sets, but the Vikings rallied to claim the final three frames, 26-24, 25-21 and 15-7.
Despite the loss, Bowie State received strong individual performances throughout the match. Abena Asomani-Martin led the Bulldogs with 14 kills, while Taylor Johnson added 12 kills and four total blocks. Gabrielle Hale directed the offense with 29 assists, while Mil'lanni Marte posted a team-high 17 digs. Melisa Anacius contributed five blocks, helping Bowie State finish the match with 12 total blocks.
Building on the Home Stand
Monday's matchup will mark the third consecutive home contest for Bowie State following its season-opening road stretch. The Bulldogs opened the season at the Fairmont State Classic, where they finished 2-2, before traveling to Norfolk State and then returning home for CIAA play.
Through seven matches, Bowie State is averaging 9.56 kills, 8.48 assists, 1.41 service aces, 12.30 digs and 2.04 blocks per set. The Bulldogs have also received contributions from Hale, Asomani-Martin, Johnson, Marte and Anacius as the team continues to establish its identity during conference play.
Scouting Virginia Union
Virginia Union enters Monday's matchup after opening CIAA play with losses to Elizabeth City State and Shaw. The Lady Panthers began the 2026 campaign with a 3-1 record at the Black College Excellence Classic, earning victories over Benedict College, Allen University and Savannah State.
VUU's most recent conference contest came Thursday against Shaw, with the Panthers falling 3-0 at Barco-Stevens Hall. Virginia Union previously dropped a 3-0 decision at Elizabeth City State on Sept. 21. Against ECSU, Jordan Carter led the Panthers with six kills and seven digs, while Alana Simmons added five kills and two blocks. Mariana Soriano finished with a team-high 10 assists.
Simmons has been an important offensive contributor for the Panthers this season. Earlier in September, she recorded a career-high 16 kills against Clinton College while hitting .304 and adding 12 digs and two service aces. Carter also posted a career-high 26 digs in that contest.
A Familiar CIAA Opponent
Monday's matchup will be the first meeting between Bowie State and Virginia Union during the 2026 regular season. The two programs are scheduled to meet again Oct. 26 in Richmond, giving both teams two opportunities to compete against one another during CIAA play.
Virginia Union was selected as one of the teams expected to compete in the CIAA Northern Division in 2026 and enters the season as the defending co-champion of the division. The Lady Panthers are coached by Anetra Sims, while Bowie State is led by fifth-year head coach Edric Potier.
Looking Ahead
Following Monday's matchup with Virginia Union, Bowie State will prepare for its first CIAA Round-Up of the season, scheduled for Oct. 2-4 in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Bulldogs will return to conference action Oct. 8 when they travel to Raleigh, N.C., to face Shaw University at 6 p.m.
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.
