A Loss, But Honors in CIAA Volleyball Tourney
posted by Ja'Shawn Steward-Johnson | November 29, 2017 | In News, SportsWhile the Fayetteville State women’s volleyball team’s season ended two days earlier than we’ve all would have liked, we can all still cheer for the good and fun season they had nonetheless. The Broncos, as a 3 seed from the Southern Division lost a heartbreaker to Virginia State (11-14; 2 seed from the Northern Division) Friday, November 17th in Petersburg, Virginia in the 1st Round of the CIAA Tournament. The match came down to the fifth and final set where the Trojans won 15-13. The final tally: 21-25, 25-23, 13-25, 25-20, 13-15.
Fayetteville State went 21-9 over the course of the regular season that included a captivating nine-game win streak. The Broncos were dominant for nearly three weeks, giving up only one set in the span before losing to Winston Salem State. Fayetteville State had bounced back from an early 1-4 record to be at an even 6-6 record before embarking on their winning streak.
Following the loss to the Trojans, Head Coach Reeshemah Johnson admitted that pressure may have been a factor. “The team is still young. I think the pressure was a lot to bear playing Virginia State in their gym for a spot in the semi-final game.” It is unfortunate that standout seniors Arlicia Ortiz, Jayde Jacobs, and Raven Ousley-Brown graduate this season.
Ortiz, from Spanaway, WA, earned First Team All-CIAA honors as a utility player for her efforts this season. Ortiz finished #2 in the conference in digs (414), #3 in total attacks (664) and #6 in kills with 221. Last season, Ortiz made the Second Team.
Jacobs earned All-CIAA Second Team honors as a middle hitter/blocker. It was her second season earning such honors. The Pine Forest graduate had 200 kills, 139 digs, and 60 blocks on the season.
Ousley-Brown, the native from St. Paul, MN had 133 kills and 33 blocks on the season, including a season-high 12 kills against St. Andrews on September 22nd.
Sophomores Nia Bell and Nakia McKinnie also made Second Team All-CIAA honors. Bell from Elizabeth City, NC won the honors as an outside hitter and had 201 digs and 163 kills, which ranked 14th and 16th, respectively. McKinnie, a setter from Niceville, Florida, led the team in assists with 434, which was good for 7th in the conference. She also added 113 digs.
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