Winston-Salem, N.C. — The Claflin University women's volleyball team put together a determined effort Monday evening, taking Winston-Salem State University to five sets before narrowly falling 3-2 (25-20, 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 16-18) at Whitaker Gymnasium.
The Lady Panthers showed they could compete with the Lady Rams throughout the evening, trading momentum and delivering several strong stretches of play. The result left the season series between the two programs split 1-1.
Claflin opened the match with a strong first set, using timely attacks and defensive pressure to secure a 25-20 win. The Lady Panthers continued to push in the third set, responding to Winston-Salem State's second-set win with a 25-23 decision to take a 2-1 advantage in the match.
Aryanna Connell led the offense with 14 kills, finishing with a team-high 18 points.
Zaniya Harris added 11 kills, while
Monica Burns contributed seven kills. Connell also made an impact from the service line, recording three aces.
The Lady Panthers were equally active defensively.
Abigail Watts paced the team with 24 digs, while Harris added 14. At the net,
Taylor Miller turned in an impressive performance with seven total blocks, including four solo blocks.
Nala Calvin contributed three blocks.
Joi Tinsley distributed 23 assists, followed by
Nadia Embry with 16, as Claflin recorded 44 assists and 94 digs in the match.
Winston-Salem State responded in the fourth set to force a deciding fifth frame. The Lady Panthers refused to back down, pushing the final set beyond the usual finish before the Lady Rams secured the narrow 18-16 victory.
Claflin's effort reflected the team's competitiveness and ability to challenge a conference opponent on the road. The split also gave the Lady Panthers a win in their two meetings with the Lady Rams this season.
Up Next
The Lady Panthers return home Thursday, Nov. 5, to face Livingstone College in their final CIAA regular-season matchup. Claflin will celebrate its seniors during Senior Night, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m. at Tullis Arena.
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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.
