SALEM, VA (November 10, 2018) - The Virginia State University volleyball team battled hard during the 2018 season, ultimately being named the CIAA Championship Runner-Ups. The Trojans fell to the Shaw Bears in a 3-1 (25-17, 19-25, 19-25, 28-26) championship finals matchup.
VSU dominate the court in set 1, catching their opponents off guard. The Trojans secured a quick 10-7 lead over the Bears at the first timeout of the set after several Shaw errors. Collecting over 50 percent of their set 1 points off of opponent errors, the Trojans collected a 25-17 set 1 victory.
Sets 2 and 3 mimicked each other as the Trojans worked to stay within spiking range of the Bears. VSU attempted to jump ahead, but once Shaw extended their lead to 5 points, they quickly pulled away. Both sets 2 and 3 end with a score of 25-19, in favor of the Bears.
Every point mattered in the 4th and final set of the contest. Â It was anyone's game as the set tied 14 times. The intensity of the set elevated as the battle to collect the set winning 2 points began. Ultimately, consecutive Trojan errors moved the set and the game in favor of the Bears, 28-26.
Jailyn Ivey led the Trojans with 15 kills in the finals matchup, while Kennedi Cannon and Tiara Ramey secured 14 and 11 kills respectively. Their unwavering efforts on the court earned them a place on the 2018 CIAA All-Tournament team. Contributing to VSU's stats with her championship high assist of 44 was Bria Anderson.
Under the leadership of second year head coach Amanda Walker, the Trojans volleyball team made program history as the CIAA Northern Division Champions, advancing to the CIAA championship finals as wells as being named CIAA Championship Runner-ups. "I am extremely proud of how well the team has played, they've really proven themselves," said Coach Walker. This great season gives the Trojans momentum for the seasons to come.
A job well done to Coach Walker, the graduating seniors; Tiara Ramey, Hailey Heyward and Myia Jones as well as the entire VSU Trojan volleyball team on a history making season.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU Volleyball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
