Sports
Norfolk State Clinches Back-to-Back Women’s MEAC Cross Country Title; Howard’s Joslyn Crosby Sets New Record

SMYRNA, Del. (Nov. 2, 2024) – Norfolk State’s women’s cross-country team made history today at the MEAC Women’s Cross Country Championship, successfully defending their title and claiming their fifth overall with an impressive display of speed, strategy, and teamwork. Led by head coach Kenneth Giles, who was named the meet’s Outstanding Coach, the Spartans dominated the Delaware State Outreach and Research Center course, placing five runners in the top 10 and scoring a total of 25 points.
HBCU Original was on-site to capture the thrilling energy as Norfolk State showcased their depth. Senior standout Mercyline Kimaiyo and her teammate Yvonne Sandui set a blistering pace, finishing second and third, with Kimaiyo clocking an impressive 17:24.5 and Sandui close behind at 17:42.1. Fellow Spartan Leanna Lewis added a solid fifth-place finish with a time of 18:06, while Sonia Koech and Abigael Chebet rounded out Norfolk’s top placements in sixth and ninth, sealing the championship victory.
Yet, it was Howard University’s Joslyn Crosby who stole the show individually. Crosby blazed across the finish line at 17:15.1, shattering last year’s fastest time by over a minute to clinch the individual gold and earn the Outstanding Performer title. Her record-breaking performance had the crowd on its feet and established Crosby as the MEAC’s elite runner for 2024. Her teammate, Mira Martin, also delivered a strong performance, securing fourth place with a time of 18:12.2.
Howard fought hard, amassing 39 team points for a respectable second-place finish. Alongside Crosby and Martin, Camille Egbula (18:34.7) and Chloe Poindexter (18:51.0) finished in the top ten, rounding out a stellar showing for the Bison.
Maryland Eastern Shore’s Rebecca Jepngtich broke into the leaderboard as well, claiming eighth place with a time of 18:46.7. North Carolina Central rounded out the top three teams with 91 points, backed by strong performances from Kayla Johnson and Laila Jackson, who both earned All-MEAC honors.
The 2024 MEAC Cross Country Championship highlighted not only Norfolk State’s program dominance but also Howard’s rising stars, setting the stage for intense competition next season. With Crosby’s record-breaking run and Norfolk’s team supremacy, HBCU cross-country fans have plenty to look forward to as these runners continue to make their mark.
All-MEAC Honors were awarded to the top 15 finishers, showcasing the best talent in the conference. Among them were:
- Outstanding Performer: Joslyn Crosby, Howard
- Outstanding Coach: Kenneth Giles, Norfolk State
All-MEAC Team:
- Joslyn Crosby (Howard)
- Mercyline Kimaiyo (Norfolk State)
- Yvonne Sandui (Norfolk State)
- Mira Martin (Howard)
- Leanna Lewis (Norfolk State)
- Sonia Koech (Norfolk State)
- Camille Egbula (Howard)
- Rebecca Jepngtich (Maryland Eastern Shore)
- Abigael Chebet (Norfolk State)
- Chloe Poindexter (Howard)
- Kayla Johnson (North Carolina Central)
- Laila Jackson (North Carolina Central)
- Emani Thompson (Norfolk State)
- Abigail Fisher (Morgan State)
- Ashley Lagat (Delaware State)
As the sun set over Smyrna, the echoes of cheers for Crosby’s unprecedented run and Norfolk State’s powerful finish lingered in the air. This year’s MEAC Championship served as a testament to the talent and determination of HBCU athletes, and HBCU Original was proud to bring fans every stride, every sprint, and every win from the ground level.
HBCU ORIGINAL
🏈 Lincoln University (PA) Lions Fall 4-0 to Chestnut Hill, But Display Heart and Resilience

Final Score: Chestnut Hill 4, Lincoln (PA) 0
Scoring Summary:
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20:21 – Chelsea Ritter (CHC) PENALTY KICK GOAL
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33:29 – Abigail Collins (CHC), Assist: Shaina Klos
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68:11 – Abigail Collins (CHC)
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86:57 – Rebecca Dalton (CHC), Assist: Bryce Westervelt
Key Lincoln Stats:
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Shots on Goal: 1
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Saves: 10 (Lourraine De Luna)
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Corner Kicks: 0
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Fouls: 4
Game Recap:
Lincoln University (PA) faced a tough opponent in Chestnut Hill, but the Lions never gave up. Keeper Lourraine De Luna was phenomenal, racking up 10 saves to keep her team in the fight. Despite falling 4-0, Lincoln showed HBCU pride, resilience, and determination, pushing hard on every possession and displaying flashes of offensive potential.
Chestnut Hill dominated possession, but Lincoln’s defense and effort underlined the team’s commitment to growth and representing the HBCU community. The Lions continue to fight for their first win of the season, gaining valuable experience along the way.
HBCU Original was on the scene to capture every save, tackle, and moment of pride. 🎥🔥
HBCU ORIGINAL
Delaware State Falls Short vs. Monmouth, 49–38

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:
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Marquis Gillis was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone early for the Hornets’ offense.
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Quarterback James Jones powered in a short rushing score, keeping the Hornets within striking distance.
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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”

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:
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Daniela Ferreira: career-high 23 kills
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Isabelle Brown: 43 assists
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Hanna Nemeth: 13 digs
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Jada Williams: seven blocks
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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:
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NCCU leads the all-time series 7-4, winning seven of the last eight meetings.
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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:
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Morgan State: Record improves to 2-1 MEAC, 5-8 overall.
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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
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Jada Williams: Moved into 7th on Morgan State’s all-time blocks list with 247 career blocks.
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Aubrey Wilson: Reached 100 career blocks, currently 17th in program history.
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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!”

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

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.
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