Orangeburg, S.C. — The Claflin University volleyball team wrapped up its 2026 season Thursday evening, falling to Livingstone College, 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-12), at Tullis Arena.
The Lady Panthers finished the campaign 13-21 overall and 6-16 in CIAA play. Despite the result, the season included several memorable moments, individual milestones, and strong performances that highlighted the team's progress.
Claflin found its best opportunity in the second set, keeping the contest close and pushing Livingstone throughout the frame. The Blue Bears eventually pulled away for a 25-23 win before closing out the match in the third set.
Monica Burns led the Lady Panthers with nine kills on the night, adding two solo blocks and one block assist.
Zaniya Harris finished with seven kills, while
Aryanna Connell contributed five kills and four block assists.
Grayson Graham added four kills, and
Nadia Embry recorded 13 assists and nine digs.
Abigail Watts led Claflin defensively with 11 digs.
The season finale also marked a milestone for Harris, who recorded her 500th career kill, joining a group of Lady Panthers who reached significant career and season benchmarks during the 2026 campaign.
Embry recorded her 500th single-season assist against Winston-Salem State, while Watts reached the 500-dig mark against Lincoln University. Those accomplishments, along with Harris' milestone in the finale, highlighted the individual contributions made throughout the season.
Claflin also ranked among the CIAA's statistical leaders. The Lady Panthers finished first in the conference in total blocks, ranking 14th nationally, and fourth in service aces, placing ninth nationally. The team also ranked third in blocks per set, fifth in aces per set, hitting percentage, and total kills, and fifth in total attacks.
Several players finished among the conference's statistical leaders.
Joi Tinsley led the CIAA in service aces and ranked 12th nationally.
Zaniya Harris finished third in the conference and 15th nationally in service aces.
Abigail Watts ranked eighth in service aces, while
Aryanna Connell placed 10th.
Burns led the conference in total blocks and ranked second in hitting percentage. She also finished fifth in blocks per set, with
Taylor Miller ranking eighth. Miller also ranked fourth in total blocks.
Harris ranked fourth in total attacks and sixth in both attacks per set and total kills. She also placed seventh in aces per set, while Tinsley ranked sixth in that category. Embry finished seventh in total assists, and Watts ranked sixth in total digs.
The 2026 season featured a historic victory over South Carolina State University and the program's best season-opening start since 2021. Along the way, the Lady Panthers continued to compete in conference play, build on individual achievements, and establish themselves among the CIAA's statistical leaders.
Although the season ended Thursday night, the milestones and accomplishments delivered throughout the year provided plenty for Claflin to carry forward into the next campaign.
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.
