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No. 2 Penn State Sweeps Delaware State to Advance In NCAA Volleyball Tournament

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What an incredible season it has been for Delaware State University’s volleyball team! Their remarkable journey through the 2024 NCAA Tournament has made history and inspired a whole Hornet fan community. From clinching the MEAC Championship to making a splash on the national stage, this team has shown what dedication, resilience, and teamwork can achieve. Delaware State University’s volleyball team made history this season with an impressive 2024 NCAA Tournament run that captured the hearts of Hornet fans and put the program on the national map. The team’s journey showcased their talent, resilience, and unwavering determination to compete against some of the nation’s best.

Dominating the 2024 MEAC Championship

The Hornets entered the NCAA Tournament as champions of the 2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), a title they clinched with a thrilling victory in the conference championship. Their dominant performance throughout the season culminated in an electrifying MEAC tournament, where standout players like [Player Name], the MEAC Player of the Year, and [Player Name], the conference’s Defensive Specialist of the Year, led the charge. Head coach [Coach’s Name] orchestrated a balanced attack and a tenacious defense, making the Hornets a formidable force.

First-Round Challenge Against Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 2 Penn State Women’s Volleyball hit .456 as it cruised to a 3-0 (25-4, 25-20, 25-18) sweep over Delaware State in the opening round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Friday night at Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions improved to 30-2, while the Hornets closed their season at 17-14. Delaware State, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament as the MEAC champion for the second time in three seasons, was led by Valeria Otero and Gerren Tomlin with six kills apiece. Tomlin and Paige Ahakuelo each had three aces. Despite the loss, the Hornets fought hard against a dominant Penn State team.

Penn State’s strong serving gave Delaware State fits, as the Nittany Lions piled up 12 aces, with Jess Mruzik contributing four and Ava Falduto and Anjelina Starck adding three each. The Hornets were held to .080 hitting as Penn State’s defense, led by Gillian Grimes with 14 digs, proved to be a significant challenge. Delaware State’s resilience and effort in the face of such a formidable opponent reflected their growth and determination as a program.

A Bright Future Ahead

This historic run signals a new era for Delaware State volleyball. With a core group of talented underclassmen and a strong recruiting class on the horizon, the program is poised for continued success. The Hornets’ 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance not only elevated the team’s profile but also shone a spotlight on the university’s commitment to athletic excellence. As the Hornets look to build on this year’s achievements, they’ve set a new standard for the program and inspired a new generation of athletes to dream big. The Delaware State community can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising powerhouse.

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Delaware State Falls Short vs. Monmouth, 49–38

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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

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

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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.

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

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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!

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

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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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Benedict Ranked Ninth in Division II HBCU Coaches Poll

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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)

  1. Virginia Union (15) – 1-0 – 175 pts – Preseason: 1

  2. Johnson C. Smith (1) – 1-0 – 153 pts – Preseason: 2

  3. Albany State (2) – 1-0 – 146 pts – Preseason: 3

  4. Virginia State – 1-0 – 129 pts – Preseason: 5

  5. Tuskegee – 1-0 – 99 pts – Preseason: 6

  6. Clark Atlanta – 0-1 – 86 pts – Preseason: 4

  7. Edward Waters – 1-0 – 42 pts – NR

  8. Winston-Salem State – 0-1 – 38 pts – Preseason: 7

  9. Benedict – 1-0 – 36 pts – NR

  10. 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.

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