Wilson, N.C. – Shaw University Lady Bears volleyball stormed back after dropping the opening set to take down Barton College, 3–1 (17–25, 25–21, 25–19, 25–6), Tuesday night inside Wilson Gymnasium. The Lady Bears improved to 2–2 on the year behind a balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense.
Set One (Barton 25, Shaw 17)
The opening frame belonged to Barton, who capitalized on early Shaw errors to build momentum. Despite a late push that included kills from MaKayla Brown and Sydni Hunter, the Lady Bears were unable to overcome the Bulldogs' efficient hitting and fell behind 1–0 in the match.
Set Two (Shaw 25, Barton 21)
Shaw quickly regrouped and found its rhythm. Brown sparked the offense with multiple kills, while setter Jakya Moore steered the attack with precise distribution. The Lady Bears built an early cushion and held off a Barton rally down the stretch to even the match at 1–1.
Set Three (Shaw 25, Barton 19)
The Lady Bears' defense set the tone in the pivotal third set. Timely blocks from Moore and Leana Gould, combined with aces from Justus Alexander, swung the momentum firmly in Shaw's favor. Hunter's efficiency at the net helped close the set and gave the Lady Bears their first lead of the night.
Set Four (Shaw 25, Barton 6)
Shaw saved its best for last, overwhelming Barton with a dominant 25–6 finish. The Lady Bears rolled behind a .579 hitting percentage in the frame, with Hunter and Gould delivering back-to-back kills to cap the emphatic victory. The defense limited Barton to just four kills in the final set as Shaw sealed the 3–1 triumph.
By the Numbers
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Kills: Brown (10), Gould (10), Hunter (9), Moore (6)
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Assists: Moore (23), Morris (10)
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Digs: Morris (16), Alexander (11), Brown (9)
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Blocks: Team total of 8 (led by Moore with 3)
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Service Aces: 10, including three from Alexander and three from Morris
Up Next
Shaw returns home to Spaulding Gymnasium on Thursday, September 25, when they host Johnson C. Smith in their CIAA opener. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as the 2024 CIAA Champion Lady Bears will receive their championship rings in a pre-match ceremony.
