Charlotte, N.C. — The Claflin University volleyball team delivered a strong performance Monday night, sweeping Johnson C. Smith 3-0 in Brayboy Gymnasium for another CIAA win. The Lady Panthers won in straight sets, 25-11, 25-13, and 25-21, improving to 10-12 overall and 4-7 in conference play.
Claflin set the tone early, taking control of the opening set with an efficient offensive effort. The Lady Panthers recorded nine kills on 14 attempts in the first set, hitting .571 to pull away for a 25-11 win.
They carried that momentum into the second set, using seven kills and a .316 hitting percentage to build a 2-0 advantage.
Johnson C. Smith responded with a stronger effort in the third set, but Claflin stayed composed and closed out the match, earning its second consecutive set victory by a 25-21 margin.
Grayson Graham led the Lady Panthers with six kills and three service aces.
Monica Burns added four kills while hitting an impressive .800, and
Aryanna Connell and
Zaniya Harris contributed four kills a piece. Burns also recorded a team-high four total blocks, while Connell and
Nala Calvin each added two.
Nadia Embry guided the offense with 12 assists, helping Claflin finish with 25 kills and a .293 hitting percentage. Defensively,
Jadah Rasool led all Lady Panthers with 14 digs, providing a steady presence in the back row.
Joi Tinsley added two service aces and five assists.
Up Next
The victory gives Claflin a boost as the team prepares for its next stretch of conference competition. The Lady Panthers will travel to Ettrick, Virginia, for CIAA Roundup No. 2, hosted by Virginia Union University, from Oct. 16-18. Claflin will face Lincoln, Virginia Union, Bowie State, Elizabeth City State, Virginia State, and Shaw during the three-day event.
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About Claflin University Athletics
Claflin University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution that sponsors 13 intercollegiate sports. The university's athletic program includes volleyball; women's flag football; men's and women's cross country; men's and women's basketball; softball; men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; and baseball. Claflin's teams compete primarily in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), while the baseball program competes in the Peach Belt Conference.
