Charlotte, N.C. (October 14, 2025) - CIAA volleyball week six delivered nonstop action and thrilling finishes from start to finish. Players rose to the occasion with powerful spikes, clutch serves, and defensive plays that made every set a must-watch.
Offensive Player – Sydni Hunter, Shaw University
Shaw University’s middle blocker Sydni Hunter had a dominant week offensively, showcasing both efficiency and consistency across multiple matches. She finished with 22 kills, just four errors, and 48 total attacks for an impressive .391 hitting percentage over 11 sets. Hunter led the Lady Bears with 11 kills on 19 swings (.474) and only two errors against Livingstone, followed by seven kills on 19 attempts (.263) against Augusta, and four kills on 10 swings (.400) against USC Aiken. In addition to her offensive contributions, she added six total blocks and two digs, demonstrating her well-rounded impact at the net.
Defensive Player - Kalia Morris, Shaw University
Shaw University libero Kalia Morris anchored the Lady Bears’ defense all week, providing stability and consistency in the back row. Over 11 sets against Livingstone, USC Aiken, and Augusta, Morris tallied an impressive 55 digs, including a match-high 23 against Livingstone. She followed that with 18 and 14 digs in the remaining non-conference contests, consistently keeping the ball in play and giving her teammates opportunities to convert. Morris’ defensive presence was a key factor in Shaw’s strong performances throughout the week.
Setter - Ashlee Franklin, Virginia Union University
Ashlee Franklin had a standout week directing the Lady Panthers’ offense, compiling 100 assists across three matches. She delivered 37 assists and added a career-high five service aces in Virginia Union’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Bowie State, helping the team control the tempo and execute in crucial moments. Franklin’s precision and ability to distribute the ball efficiently were instrumental in keeping the Lady Panthers competitive and dynamic throughout the week, leading to winning both matches they played.
Rookie - Justyce McKennie, Livingstone College
Freshman setter Justyce McKennie had a breakout performance that propelled the Lady Blue Bears to a thrilling victory over Shaw University. Rising to the occasion, McKennie recorded a double-double with 24 assists and 17 digs, showcasing her versatility and composure under pressure. She also contributed a kill and three clutch service aces that shifted momentum and helped spark a dramatic third-set comeback. McKennie’s leadership and execution on the court were central to the Lady Blue Bears’ success and highlighted her potential as a key playmaker for the season.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.