Sports
SUNO Knights Volleyball Secures Spot in HBCUAC Championship Tournament
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.