Sports
Delaware State Defeats Howard in MEAC Volleyball Championship
Lady Hornets Claim Title in Thrilling Five-Set Match
DOVER, Del. (November 24, 2024) – The Delaware State University (DSU) volleyball team captured the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in dramatic fashion Sunday night, defeating Howard University 3-2 (24-26, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 7-15) in front of an electric home crowd at Memorial Hall.
This hard-fought victory marked DSU’s second MEAC title in three seasons, showcasing their depth and determination against a resilient Howard squad.
Game Recap
The title match was an intense back-and-forth affair, with neither team willing to back down.
Set 1: The Lady Hornets edged out a 26-24 win after a nail-biting opener, setting the stage for the evening’s drama.
Set 2: Howard roared back with a 25-22 triumph, overcoming an early deficit with precise attacks and crucial defensive stops.
Set 3: Delaware State capitalized on Howard’s hitting errors to regain control, claiming the third frame 25-20.
Set 4: Refusing to quit, the Bison produced a blistering .405 hitting percentage in the fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth.
Set 5: DSU dominated the final frame, hitting a remarkable .450 as they sealed the championship with a 15-7 victory, sparking celebrations on their home court.
Game Leaders
Delaware State University (DSU):
- Kills: Valeria Otero (18), Gerren Tomlin (17), Aaliyah Mitchell (14)
- Aces: Morgan Allen (2), Valeria Otero (1), Naz Tuncay (1)
- Blocks: Aaliyah Mitchell (6), Alondra Maldonado (4), Hannah Sanders (4)
- Assists: Naz Tuncay (32), Paige Ahakuelo (31), Morgan Allen (4)
- Digs: Morgan Allen (22), Gerren Tomlin (20), Valeria Otero (12)
Howard University (HOW):
- Kills: Rya McKinnon (18), Cimone Woodard (16), Dami Awojobi (16)
- Aces: Halie McGinest (2), Leah Reeves (1)
- Blocks: Aziah Buckner (2), Amanda Ifeanyichukwu (2), Cimone Woodard (1)
- Assists: Leah Reeves (61), Claire Simpson (4)
- Digs: Claire Simpson (21), Dami Awojobi (14), Aziah Buckner (10)
Championship Highlights
DSU’s balanced attack proved decisive, with Valeria Otero and Gerren Tomlin leading the offensive charge while Morgan Allen anchored the defense with a match-high 22 digs. Freshman setter Naz Tuncay orchestrated the attack with 32 assists, complemented by Paige Ahakuelo’s 31.
Howard’s stars shined in defeat, with Rya McKinnon (18 kills) and Cimone Woodard (16 kills) delivering standout performances. Setter Leah Reeves had an incredible 61 assists, keeping the Bison’s offense running smoothly throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
Delaware State (17-13) will now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament, where they aim to continue their momentum against the nation’s best teams. Meanwhile, Howard’s strong showing throughout the season solidifies their position as a perennial MEAC contender, promising more battles ahead.
Stay connected to HBCU Original for continued coverage of HBCU sports and MEAC Volleyball!
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.
The CIAA saw strong championship performances on both sides as Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Virginia Union controlled the men’s meet with steady scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, building enough separation to hold off challengers and secure the championship.
On the women’s side, Winston-Salem State continued its strong run in CIAA competition, delivering a balanced performance highlighted by relay strength and consistent event scoring to secure another conference title.
CIAA track & field continues to run through two established powers at the top of the conference.
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