Ettrick, Va. — The Claflin University volleyball team continued its run at CIAA Roundup No. 2 on Saturday, battling through two four-set matches against Shaw University and Elizabeth City State University. Despite strong efforts in both contests, the Lady Panthers came up short, finishing 0-2 and moving to 11-15 overall and 5-10 in CIAA play.
Claflin opened the day against Shaw and came out swinging, taking the first set 25-21. The Lady Panthers kept the match close, but Shaw responded to win the next three sets, including two narrow 25-23 decisions, to secure the 3-1 victory.
Zaniya Harris led the Claflin attack with 12 kills and four service aces, while
Monica Burns added 11 kills.
Aryanna Connell contributed three aces, and
Abigail Watts added two.
Nadia Embry paced the offense with 14 assists, while
Grayson Graham and Watts each recorded 10 digs to lead the defensive effort.
The Lady Panthers returned to the court for their second matchup against Elizabeth City State, looking to close the day with a win. Claflin dropped the opening set 25-15 but answered with a 25-20 victory in the second to even the match. The teams traded points in the third set before Elizabeth City State edged Claflin 25-23. The Lady Vikings then closed out the match with a 25-21 win in the fourth set.
Connell, Harris and Burns shared the team leads with nine kills apiece. Burns also delivered a strong defensive performance with six blocks, while Graham added five and
Taylor Miller contributed four.
Joi Tinsley led Claflin with 16 assists, followed by Embry with 15. Harris paced the defense with 11 digs, while Watts added 10 and
Jadah Rasool finished with eight.
Although Saturday's results did not fall in Claflin's favor, the Lady Panthers competed through two demanding conference matchups, showing their ability to respond and stay within reach against both opponents.
Claflin will close out CIAA Roundup No. 2 on Sunday, Oct. 18, with two more matchups. The Lady Panthers will face Bowie State University at 11 a.m. before taking on host Virginia State at 7 p.m.
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of Claflin Athletics, follow us on social media at @claflin_athletics (Instagram) or Claflin University-Athletics (Facebook), or visit the official home of the Panthers at www.athletics.claflins.edu.
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.
