Bowie, Maryland (November 21, 2025) – The 46th CIAA Volleyball Championship opened with a full day of intensity, resilience, and postseason urgency inside A.C. Jordan Arena. Virginia State, Bowie State, Shaw, and Fayetteville State each earned quarterfinal victories on Friday, securing spots in Saturday’s semifinal round and setting up matchups filled with history, momentum, and championship implications.
“This is what the CIAA is all about. Competition, community, and creating moments our student athletes will remember for a lifetime,” said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “The intensity and passion we witnessed today honor the legacy of this 46-year championship tradition, and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.”
Tomorrow’s semifinals are set:
2:00 PM: No. 1 North Virginia State vs. No. 2 South Fayetteville State
4:30 PM: No. 4 North Bowie State vs. No. 3 South Shaw
VIRGINIA STATE SETS THE TONE AS THE TOP SEED
Virginia State def. Livingstone 3–0 (25–18, 25–21, 25–13)
Virginia State opened the championship with a composed and balanced performance, sweeping Livingstone to reinforce its standing as the top seed from the North. The Trojans played with confidence from the opening point, using efficient attacking, sharp ball control, and timely defensive stops to take command of each set.
The offense was anchored by consistent swings from Gracie Darville and a highly efficient outing from middle blocker Amaya Cooper, who found clean scoring opportunities throughout the match. Setter Peyton Reese guided the attack with steady distribution and added double-digit digs to help stabilize the back row. Across all phases, Virginia State maintained structure, limited errors, and dictated the pace, closing out each frame with purposeful execution.
With the win, the Trojans advance to face Fayetteville State in Saturday’s opening semifinal.
BOWIE STATE DELIVERS THE UPSET OF THE DAY
Bowie State def. Winston-Salem State 3–0 (25–21, 30–28, 25–22)
Bowie State captured one of the most compelling victories of the day, sweeping top South seed Winston-Salem State to secure its first CIAA Tournament win since 2008. The Bulldogs embraced the home environment, playing with poise, energy, and determination in crucial moments.
Bowie State applied early pressure with strong attacking from Nina Edwards and key blocks from Madyson Brinson and Nicole Taylor to take the opening set. The second frame became a highlight of the championship, with both teams trading leads deep into extra points. Lyric Snowden and setter Mekenna Scott delivered clutch plays in the closing stretch before Taylor’s decisive kill completed a gritty 30–28 finish. The Bulldogs carried their momentum into the third set, overcoming an early deficit and closing the match with composed execution.
The victory advances Bowie State into the 4:30 PM semifinal against defending champion Shaw.
SHAW LOOKS SHARP IN PURSUIT OF A THREE-PEAT
Shaw def. Virginia Union 3–0 (25–13, 25–9, 25–9)
Shaw entered the quarterfinals pursuing a third straight CIAA Volleyball Championship and delivered a dominant performance to keep that goal firmly in reach. The Bears controlled every set with clean passing, disciplined defensive work, and steady offensive pressure.
Shaw surged ahead early in the match and maintained momentum behind the efficient scoring of Sydni Hunter, who led the attack with nine kills. The back row was anchored by double-digit dig efforts from Kalia Morris and Makayla Brown, while Leana Gould sparked key runs with four aces. Setter Justus Alexander kept the attack in rhythm, finishing with a match-high 19 assists that helped Shaw maintain balance and tempo.
With the sweep, Shaw advances to face Bowie State on Saturday afternoon.
FAYETTEVILLE STATE COMPLETES THE SEMIFINAL FIELD
Fayetteville State def. Bluefield State 3–1 (25–19, 25–21, 22–25, 26–24)
Fayetteville State closed out the quarterfinal round with a strong and measured 3–1 victory over Bluefield State. After dropping the third set, the Broncos regrouped and showed resilience by responding with disciplined play in the decisive fourth frame.
The Broncos were powered by timely swings from Ramona Pulu, Amori Johnson, and Milana Cvetkovski, each providing important scoring stretches as the match tightened. Setter Giovanna Teixeira kept the offense moving with consistent distribution and well-placed serves, while Symone Morris and Jasmine Culp anchored the back row with steady defensive efforts. In the closing moments of the fourth set, Fayetteville State capitalized on extended rallies and converted key opportunities to secure the win at 26–24.
Fayetteville State advances to Saturday’s 2:00 PM semifinal where they will meet top-seeded Virginia State.
For scores, bracket updates, and complete coverage of the 46th CIAA Volleyball Championship, visit theciaa.com, stream on The CIAA Sports Network and follow CIAA social platforms throughout the weekend.
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 United States and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150000 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.
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.