Box Score ETTRICK, VA (October 7, 2021)- The Virginia State University Volleyball team hosted the newest members of the CIAA Northern Division, the Shaw University Bears on Thursday evening. The Trojans battled in each set for control of the game, but fell short with a final score of 3-1.   
Set 1
The Trojans trailed for the first few plays of the set, but quickly worked to keep the scoring margin close. Tying the score numerous times throughout the set, VSU saw their first lead of the contest, 13-12, after an error on the Bear.  Despite the Bears going on a slight run to regain the lead, Freshman Helena Eubanks secured a kill to put VSU ahead, 17-16. The battle for control of the court continued as kills, side outs and errors plagued both teams. Much needed back-to-back blocks by Bethany Henry and Ambria McBride retied the set, 20-20. Although the Trojans made a great effort, they were not able to secure the first set, coming short with a score of 25-23.
Set 2
Gaining the first points of set 2 gave the Trojans the momentum they needed. Freshman Kennedy Hogue gave VSU a 3-0 lead with a powerhouse kill. Although the Bears came alive and tied the game 3-3, sophomore Kiara Hill gave the Trojans an extra point to jump ahead. Shaw found space to gain the lead, but VSU remained close behind with a score of 15-12 at a VSU called timeout. The Bears went on a brief run, taking a 19-13 lead, but a much needed kill from Ambria McBride broke the Trojans scoring drought. The battle to get back in the groove of the game was a late call for the Trojans as they fell in set 2, 25-19.
 
Set 3
A set opening ace for Ambria McBride and kill by junior Jodorrian Taylor was a great start to set 3 for VSU. A point for the Bears was quickly out of sight and out of mind as a crowd pleasing kill by Kiara Hill moved the Trojans up 3-1. VSU fans saw several power plays early in the set to include a hard hit kill by Bethany Henry. Despite the Bears taking a short lead, the Trojans stepping in with several key plays to extend their lead, 11-8, at a Shaw charged timeout. The Bears managed to close the scoring gap, but the Trojans worked to stay a few plays ahead of them to hold firm to the lead. Consecutive kills by Kiara Hill gave VSU a 19-16 lead as the set progressed. A block by junior Gabrielle Bradley, an ace for Ambria McBride and an error on the Bears extended the Trojans lead 22-18 at Shaw's final timeout of the set. Keeping the Bears scoreless for the remainder of the set, the Trojans grasped a 25-18 set 4 victory.
 
Set 4
Going point for point, both teams battled to control the game as there were several lead changes early in the set. A rotation error on the Bears and a kill by Ambria McBride have the Trojans a 9-5 lead at a Shaw charged timeout. The game picked up as the Bears closed the scoring gap and took a 12-11 lead over the hosting Trojans. As the set progressed, the lead changes resumed. Back-to back kills by Jodorrian Taylor moved the Trojans ahead, 21-20. The tense atmosphere kept the teams and fans on the toes, as the Trojans trailed 22-21 at a VSU charged timeout. Errors in the final play and kill by the Bears ended the set and the game 25-21.
 
Leaders
 Ambria McBride and Helena Eubanks tallied 10 kills each as McBride accounted for three aces..
Makenzy Johnson and Emma Quarles combined for 34 assists on the evening.
Kiara Hill had a hand in shifting the momentum in the third set as she accumulated seven kills and three blocks in the contest. 
Najilaa Williams had a team-high 13 digs against. 


Next Up
The Trojans are set to host the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University on October 11. The first serve is set for 6pm at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
 
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