ETTRICK, VA (October 17, 2021)- The Virginia State University volleyball team concluded their CIAA Roundup weekend with a 3-0 sweep after defeating Claflin University (3-1) and Winston-Salem State University (3-2) on day 2. On day 1 of the CIAA Roundup, the Trojans swept the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University with a 3-0 win. The Trojans played host to all of the CIAA member institutions for the 2-day CIAA Volleyball Roundup.
Game 1 v. Claflin
It was an extremely slow start for the Trojans in set 1 of their Claflin matchup. Allowing the Panthers to take an early 6-0 run to open the game, did not put VSU in the right position to secure the set win (17-25). The Trojans used set 1 as a lesson to bounce back for the remainder of the game. In set 2, VSU went on a 6-0 run to take the lead (8-4) and evenly the set (25-15). The Trojans held strong to their set 3 lead, but the Panthers were not too far behind. Despite Claflin closing the scoring gap, VSU capitalized off of a Panthers attack error for the 25-23 set 3 win. Holding the Panthers under 20 points, the Trojans worked to quickly wrap up the game taking a 25-18 set 4 win and the overall 3-1 victory.
Junior Ambria McBride and freshman Helena Eubanks were evenly matched with 10 kills each. Junior Jodorrian Taylor jumped in with 3 blocks, while junior Makenzy Johnson secured 16 assists. Freshman Najlaa Williams had a great game securing 4 aces and 24 digs.
Game 2 v. Winston Salem State
The Trojans took an early lead in the opening set. As play progressed, the Rams found space to close the scoring gap as both teams battled for the lead. Going point-for-point with multiple ties and lead changes, it was a fight to secure set 1. As both teams scored into the 30's, the effort from both teams was unmatched. A side out error plagued the Trojans, resulting in a 33-31 set 1 loss.
The second set seemed to mimic the first as the Trojans early lead was broken by the Rams. As the set saw numerous lead changes, VSU managed to recognize familiar scenarios from the previous set and turn set 2 around in their favor. The Trojans fought to cover the court, eventually taking a 25-23 set 2 win.
Set 3 undoubtedly belonged to the Trojans as they took advantage of several Ram errors. VSU maintained their lead, allowing Jodorrian Taylor to spike the 25-18 set 3 victory point.
The toggle to control the game continued in set 4 as the Trojans lead was cut short by the Rams. Play for play, the exchange of kills and errors seemingly made the teams evenly match. WSSU took the lead after capitalizing off of several VSU errors. The Trojans fought to stay alive, but were unable to take the set, falling 25-20.
The game was up for grabs as the Rams and Trojans fought for the win. VSU stepped in to deliver several power plays, giving them a much needed lead. The Trojans continued to extend the scoring margin, ending the set with a 15-12 set and game victory.
Helena Eubanks led the Trojans with 21 kills while Bethany Henry collected 5 aces. Zaria Irons jumped in with 3 blocks, in addition to Makenzy Johnson with 35 assists and Najlaa Williams with 25 digs.
 
Next Up
The Trojans will travel to Lincoln, PA to take on the Lions of Lincoln University on October 21. The first serve is set for 6pm.
 
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