Bowie, Md. (Oct. 18, 2025) — The Virginia State University volleyball team continued its strong run through CIAA play on Saturday, earning a four-set victory over Livingstone College before falling in a five-set thriller to Fayetteville State at A.C. Jordan Arena.

In the opener, the Trojans powered past Livingstone 3–1 (23–25, 25–18, 26–24, 25–22), fueled by a balanced offensive attack led by Gracie Darville and Kyra Marciniak. Darville paced the offense with 13 kills, five service aces, and 13 digs, tallying an impressive 18.5 points. Marciniak added 10 kills and contributed defensively with five digs and a block assist. Amaya Cooper provided steady production with nine kills and a .353 hitting percentage, while Anya McKinley was efficient at the net with five kills and three total blocks.

Setter Peyton Reese orchestrated the attack with 19 assists and a service ace, and libero Kellee Craig anchored the defense with 21 digs, helping VSU maintain control in the back row. As a team, Virginia State posted 44 kills and 12 aces, holding Livingstone to a .096 hitting percentage.

In the afternoon match, VSU battled Fayetteville State in a five-set showdown but came up just short, 3–2 (27–25, 15–25, 26–24, 21–25, 10–15). Marciniak once again led the way with 14 kills and 15 points, while Symone Morris and Chiara Vittoni powered the attack with 19 and 20 kills respectively. Vittoni hit .297 and led the team with 21 points, while setter Giovanna Teixeira delivered a match-high 44 assists to go with 12 digs.

On the defensive end, Craig tallied 18 digs, and Morris added 11 as the Trojans fought through nine lead changes in a closely contested battle. Despite the loss, Virginia State posted a strong .220 hitting percentage — their second-best mark in conference play.

With the split, Virginia State moves to 8–9 overall and 7–2 in CIAA competition, remaining among the top teams in the conference standings.