Box Score ETTRICK, VA (October 11, 2021)- The Virginia State University Volleyball team played host to the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University on Monday evening. The Trojans added a blemish to the Vikings CIAA winning streak after a 3-1 victory in favor of VSU.

Set 1
As both CIAA Northern Division teams took to the floor, it was apparent early that is was going to be a close match. The Trojans quickly jumped ahead with a 4-2 lead with a solo block from Bethany Henry and several Viking errors. Freshman Kennedy Hoge elevated VSU to a 6-3 lead after securing an ace. As the set rapidly progressed, the scoring gap closed in favor of the Vikings, 9-8, at the first charged VSU timeout. An assisted block by Bethany Henry and Jodorrian Taylor refocused the Trojans and tied the game 9-9.
The set seemed to slip away from VSU, but a kill by Kiara Hill, an assisted block by Hill and Henry and an ace by Hoge tied the set 14-14. Ambria McBride kept the Trojans in the game with a kill, followed by Helena Eubanks and Bethany Henry with consecutive blocks. Those crucial plays gave VSU a 19-18 lead at an ECSU charged timeout. The Trojans continued to battle for control of the floor for the remaining plays of the set. Their efforts paid off after a Vikings error gave the Trojans a 26-24 set 1 victory.

Set 2
VSU had a slow start to the beginning of set 2 after trail 8-4 to the Vikings. The Trojans worked to close the scoring gap, but were still plagued with errors. As set the set progressed, a Vikings sideout gave the Trojans a chance to serve and attempt to regain focus and control of the set. A lively crowd kept the game interesting as VSU battled to close the scoring gap. The Trojans worked to deliver power plays as their fans cheered them on. Although they were able to find their groove, it was not enough to take the set, falling 25-17.

Set 3
Ambria McBride put the Trojans on the board in set 3 to tie the score, 1-1. The Viking quickly took control of the set, but VSU was not too far behind.  A much needed kill by Kiara Hill and several Viking errors moved VSU up to tie the set, 8-8. Staying true to her position, Gabrielle Bradley was in the right place at the right time securing two key points for the Trojans. At a VSU charged timeout, the home team trail 15-12 to ECSU. The rallied on several plays, getting within 2 points of taking the lead. Both teams went point-for-point as they neared the 25^th point. An error on the Vikings tied the score 23-23, getting the fans exciting and keeping both teams on their toes. A block by Zaria Irons and Kiara Hill moved the Trojans up. Although ECSU secured a point, an error gave VSU a 25-24 lead. The game got intense as the battle for the set was in sight. At a VSU charged timeout, the Vikings lead 26-25. A Vikings side out retied the score 26-26, followed by an error on the visitors, giving VSU a 27-26 lead. The battled continued as Gabrielle Bradley gave the Trojans a much needed boost. Ambria McBride stood her ground and forced an error on ECSU to give the Trojans a 28-26 set 3 win.
 
Set 4
The Trojans took an early 2-0 lead to open set 4. Despite several ECSU errors, the score was quickly tied, 6-6. Each team went point-or-point as the intensity of the game increased. At a Vikings called timeout, the Trojans held a 12-9 lead. The Trojans fought to control the court, but ECSU came back to tie the score 13-13. After a Trojans charged time out, VSU came out of their huddle with force, going on a 4-0 run for a 17-13 lead. The Vikings seemingly attempted to bounce back, but a kill by Gabrielle Bradley moved the Trojans up 20-17. It was smooth sailing in the final plays of the set as Helena Eubanks secured the set point for a 25-20 set victory and the overall win.
 
Leaders
 Ambria McBride led the match in kills (13) and digs (25) on the evening.
Kiara Hill and Helena Eubanks ended their nights with 10 kills each.
 Makenzy Johnson and Emma Quarles combined for 41 assists in the win.
Johnson also accounted for 13 digs in the Monday night matchup. 
Kennedy Hoge accumulated 10 digs with four aces against ECSU. 
 
Next Up
The Trojans are set to take on non-conference opponent Regent University on Wednesday October 13. The first serve is set for 5pm at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
 
Stay Connected
For the most up-to-date information on VSU Football please visit www.govsutrojans.com, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports and on Instagram VSUtrojans_1882.