Claflin Volleyball Set for Four-Match CBU Patriot Day Classic
Terica Peay
Orangeburg, S.C. — The Claflin University volleyball team aims to build on a strong start as the Lady Panthers head to Memphis, Tennessee, to compete in the 2026 CBU Patriot Day Classic on September 11-12.
Claflin kicked off the 2026 season with its best performance since 2022, winning its first three matches against Paine College, Allen University, and Savannah State University. Although the Lady Panthers faced two challenging losses to Benedict College and Fort Valley State University, they finished the opening week with a record of 3-2 overall.
As they enter this weekend's tournament, the Lady Panthers look to maintain their momentum from the season's opening matches while gaining valuable experience against another four-match schedule.
Leading Claflin's offensive efforts is sophomore outside hitter
Zaniya Harris, who has recorded 47 kills over the first five matches. Harris has also contributed significantly on defense, making her one of the most versatile players on the team early in the season.
Nadia Embry has set the pace offensively with a team-high 62 assists. Freshman setter
Joi Tinsley has made a quick impact in her inaugural collegiate season, contributing 59 assists and leading the team with 17 service aces, which establishes her as a promising young player to watch.
Abigail Watts has been another consistent threat, providing 15 service aces while anchoring the back row with 50 digs. Her defensive presence will be crucial as Claflin prepares to take on four opponents over the weekend.
At the net,
Monica Burns has stepped up as one of the team leaders on both offense and defense. Burns leads the Lady Panthers with 13 blocks and ranks among the top three hitters, giving Claflin a reliable presence on both sides of the ball.
Claflin will open the CBU Patriot Day Classic on Friday, September 11, with an 11 a.m. CT match against Miles College. Later that evening, at 7 p.m. CT, the Lady Panthers will face the tournament host, Christian Brothers University.
The tournament will wrap up on Saturday, September 12, with two more matches for Claflin. They will play Southern New Hampshire University at 11 a.m. CT, followed by their final match against LeMoyne-Owen College at 3 p.m. CT.
Fans can follow live statistics for each match throughout the tournament at the CBU live stats page.
2026 CBU Patriot Day Classic
Sept. 11-12 | Memphis, Tenn. | Canale Arena
Friday, Sept. 11
11 a.m. CT — Claflin vs. Miles College
7 p.m. CT — Claflin at Christian Brothers University
Saturday, Sept. 12
11 a.m. CT — Claflin vs. Southern New Hampshire University
3 p.m. CT — Claflin vs. LeMoyne-Owen College
Live stats:
CBU Volleyball Live Stats
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.
