Sports

SUNO Knights Volleyball Secures Spot in HBCUAC Championship Tournament

Published

12 months ago

October 22, 2024

NEW ORLEANS [October 21, 2024] – The SUNO Knights volleyball team has officially secured their spot in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Volleyball Championship tournament, set to take place in Shreveport, La., from November 11-13. The Knights (4-15, 4-8) earned their berth with two critical victories over Wilberforce University and Rust College this weekend during the HBCUAC Crossover tournament hosted by Tougaloo College.

With two more conference games remaining before the championship tournament, the Knights are poised to climb higher in the rankings. SUNO will face crosstown rival Dillard University on October 25 at 6 p.m. to kick off Homecoming Weekend, followed by their final regular-season conference matchup against Tougaloo College on October 29 at 6 p.m.

This year, the conference’s coaches implemented a new rule allowing only the top eight teams to participate in the championship tournament. For SUNO Volleyball Head Coach Zipporah Washington, securing a spot in the tournament is a significant milestone.

“Making the tournament is a huge accomplishment for us, especially in a year where the competition is so fierce, and only the top teams can qualify,” said Coach Washington. “When I returned to SUNO, the program was in a difficult place, but we built a team based on resilience and the ‘never give up’ mentality that I had as a player here. Our players have embraced that mindset, and it’s showing on the court.”

The Knights have been paced this season by outside hitters Taszia Adkinson and Reagan McDowell, who have 124 and 102 kills, respectively. Adkinson is 19th in the HBCUAC for kills. Captain Malaysia Hudson has also contributed to the Knights’ offensive effort. Her consistency at the net and ability to cover the ball on defense helps move the ball around more and keep the opponent guessing on who will be the next attacker.

In the Knights’ wins over Wilberforce and Rust, the duo combined for 30 of the team’s 78 kills. In the first match this weekend against Wilberforce, Adkinson nailed four service aces. The Knights received more offense from powerhouse Alaina Obianozie, who added six kills on .556 hitting and a block against the Bulldogs.

Despite falling in the second match of the weekend, SUNO was able to fiercely challenge the No. 1 team in the conference – Fisk University Bulldogs. Adkinson and McDowell amassed 14 kills total while captain Ja’Myra Tyler added five. Fisk Head Coach Jessica Enderle described SUNO as “strong” with “great height.”

That height was key in the Knights’ win over Rust College Saturday evening. After a slow start and a first-set loss, SUNO gained their composure and took down the Bearcats 3-1. The “bigs” were at it again in this contest as Adkinson, McDowell, and Obianozie clocked 23 kills in the win. Right side Uriah Larry and middle blocker Tyler combined for 13 kills in the four-set victory.

Watching the Knights play, you immediately notice their rotation is quick and every point is a team effort. SUNO runs a 6-2 rotation, and its two setters, captain A’Lon Clark, and freshman Trinity Bloodworth have shared the wealth of offense this season. During the HBCUAC Crossover on October 18-19, the tandem accounted for 64 total assists, spreading the ball to SUNO’s attackers for great shots to keep the opponents constantly retreating.

Defensively, no one stands out more than Chalmette, La. native Armoni Harris. She leads the HBCUAC in digs per set with 4.44, sits at No. 1 for total digs in conference play with 186, and is fifth in the conference for overall digs with 271. Along with Clark, Harris is described as a general on the court. She is able to anticipate where the opponent will strike, allowing her to quickly move to grab a dig and make a great pass to Clark or Bloodworth.

“Rebuilding is never easy, but it’s always worth it,” said Washington. “These young ladies are responsible for creating a culture that forces each individual to give their best. We’re not where we want to be, but we take a step toward the mark in every practice and game.”

Washington took over the program at a critical time, stepping into the role when SUNO was searching for a leader who could develop the relaunched program. As a former SUNO conference player of the year, she brought a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the university. Her leadership and commitment to character earned her a nomination for SUNO’s NAIA Coach of Character award, further solidifying her impact on the program.

SUNO Director of Athletics James A. Matthews, III, praised Washington for her leadership and the team’s determination.

“Having strong leaders like Coach Washington is essential to creating a culture of accountability and excellence in everything we do,” said Matthews. “Her ability to mold well-rounded student-athletes who excel both on and off the court is a testament to the vision we have for SUNO Athletics. We’re proud of what this team has achieved and excited for what’s ahead.”

With a spot in the championship tournament secured and the possibility of climbing even higher in the standings, the SUNO Knights volleyball team is riding a wave of momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. Fans are eager to see the team continue their push for success as they face Dillard and Tougaloo in the coming weeks.

HBCU ORIGINAL

Delaware State Falls Short vs. Monmouth, 49–38

Published

1 week ago

October 4, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

The Hornets showed heart from start to finish, going toe-to-toe with Monmouth in a high-scoring contest that ended 49–38. Despite the loss, Delaware State displayed major offensive firepower and resilience on the road.

🏈 Game Highlights:

Marquis Gillis was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone early for the Hornets’ offense.
Quarterback James Jones powered in a short rushing score, keeping the Hornets within striking distance.
The Hornet defense battled to contain a hot Monmouth offense led by Derek Robertson, who threw for four touchdowns — but Delaware State never backed down.

🔥 What’s Next:
Delaware State looks to carry this momentum into MEAC play, building on its offensive rhythm and toughness heading into the next matchup.

#MEACFootball #DelState #HBCUFootball #HornetPride #HBCUOriginal

Sports

“Morgan State Comes Back to Defeat North Carolina Central University in Five-Set Thriller”

Published

1 week ago

October 4, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Morgan State volleyball team welcomed North Carolina Central (NCCU) to Hill Field House on Friday, Oct. 3 for a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup at 6 p.m. The game was Morgan State’s ‘Pink Out’ match, with fans encouraged to wear pink in support.

Morgan State came into the match at 4-8 overall, 1-1 MEAC, looking to rebound from a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Howard. The Bears had fallen behind 2-0 before dropping the final three sets, including a narrow 15-12 defeat in the fifth.

Key performances vs. Howard:

Daniela Ferreira: career-high 23 kills
Isabelle Brown: 43 assists
Hanna Nemeth: 13 digs
Jada Williams: seven blocks
Aubrey Wilson: five blocks

NCCU (4-10, 1-1 MEAC) entered the contest on a two-match losing streak, including a 3-0 road loss at Charleston Southern. Standouts included Summer Campbell (four kills), Tayah Little and Allyson Rouse (three kills each), Loren Johnson (12 digs), and Neira Joldic (eight assists).

Series History:

NCCU leads the all-time series 7-4, winning seven of the last eight meetings.
Last season, the teams split the series: Morgan State swept at home (10/4/24) and NCCU won in five sets on the road (11/1/24).

Match Result: October 3, 2025

Morgan State pulled off a thrilling five-set victory over NCCU, winning 3-2.

Set Scores: 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-11

Impact on the Teams:

Morgan State: Record improves to 2-1 MEAC, 5-8 overall.
NCCU: Falls to 1-2 MEAC, 4-11 overall.

The Bears showed resilience coming back from a 0-2 deficit to claim the win! 💪

Player Highlights & Milestones

Jada Williams: Moved into 7th on Morgan State’s all-time blocks list with 247 career blocks.
Aubrey Wilson: Reached 100 career blocks, currently 17th in program history.
Isabelle Brown: Freshman setter named MEAC Setter of the Week, directing Morgan’s offense with 107 assists over three matches.

Looking Ahead

Morgan State will host South Carolina State in a MEAC match on Sunday, Oct. 5. First serve is at 1 p.m. at Hill Field House.

HBCU ORIGINAL

“Rivalry on Fire: Morehouse Battles Howard at MetLife!”

Published

1 month ago

September 5, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 01:00 PM

Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the HBCU NY Football Classic returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025!

This premier HBCU football event in the Northeast promises heart-pounding action as Morehouse College takes on Howard University. Two of the nation’s most storied programs will clash on the gridiron, each vying for victory and bragging rights in front of thousands of passionate fans.

Fans can expect a full day of excitement, from pre-game festivities and marching band performances to halftime entertainment that celebrates HBCU culture and tradition. The rivalry is fierce, the stakes are high, and the energy in the stadium is bound to be unforgettable.

Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making at the HBCU NY Football Classic – where tradition, pride, and football excellence collide!

HBCU ORIGINAL

Dillard’s Davison, Wilberforce’s Howard, and Wiley’s Russell Claim Week 1 HBCUAC Cross Country Honors

Published

1 month ago

September 5, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

NEW ORLEANS – September 2, 2025 – The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) announced its Week 1 cross country weekly awards, recognizing standout performances from August 25-31.

Women’s Honors:
Dillard University freshman Karlise Davison made a sensational debut, earning both Runner of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Davison broke the Dillard four-kilometer school record, cementing herself as a rising star in the HBCUAC women’s cross country scene. Her record-setting performance has set high expectations for the season ahead.

Men’s Honors:
On the men’s side, Wilberforce University freshman Skyaqui Howard was named Runner and Freshman of the Week after leading the Bulldogs at the Wilberforce Invitational. In his first collegiate meet, Howard clocked 17:56.7, finishing seventh among 23 competitors from NCAA Division II and NCCAA programs.

Wiley University’s John Russell, a transfer from Ranger College, claimed Newcomer of the Week following his performance at Texas Christian University’s John MacKenzie Invitational. Competing against NCAA Division I athletes from TCU, Texas A&M, and Tarleton State, Russell completed the five-kilometer course in 19:38, showcasing his readiness to contribute at the HBCUAC level.

Additional men’s weekly nominees included Quante Ferguson (Talladega), Javoun Goldsby (Wiley), Earl Hurd Jr. (Wiley), Phillip Isaac (Dillard), and K’Mon Washington (Dillard), highlighting the depth of talent across the conference.

The HBCUAC continues to spotlight emerging athletes and exceptional performances in cross country, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

HBCU ORIGINAL

Benedict Ranked Ninth in Division II HBCU Coaches Poll

Published

1 month ago

September 5, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College football team has secured the No. 9 spot in this week’s HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll, powered by BOXTOROW.

The Tigers climbed into the rankings after opening their season with a 10-0 shutout victory over Fayetteville State on Saturday. They earned 36 points in voting from the panel of 18 Division II HBCU head coaches.

Virginia Union holds steady at No. 1 in the poll, with Benedict standing as one of six SIAC programs featured in the top 10.

Benedict will have a bye this week before returning to action on Sept. 13, when they travel to face Central State.

Now in its fourth year, the HBCU Division II Coaches Poll is administered by BOXTOROW and determined solely by votes from Division II HBCU head coaches.

2025 HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll – Week 1
(Records through August 31, 2025)

Virginia Union (15) – 1-0 – 175 pts – Preseason: 1
Johnson C. Smith (1) – 1-0 – 153 pts – Preseason: 2
Albany State (2) – 1-0 – 146 pts – Preseason: 3
Virginia State – 1-0 – 129 pts – Preseason: 5
Tuskegee – 1-0 – 99 pts – Preseason: 6
Clark Atlanta – 0-1 – 86 pts – Preseason: 4
Edward Waters – 1-0 – 42 pts – NR
Winston-Salem State – 0-1 – 38 pts – Preseason: 7
Benedict – 1-0 – 36 pts – NR
Fort Valley State – 0-1 – 35 pts – Preseason: 9

Others receiving votes: Kentucky State (1-0) 21, Miles (0-1) 9, West Virginia State (0-1) 6, Allen (0-1) 5, Livingstone (0-1) 5, Savannah State (0-1) 4.