RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw University pushed Bowie State to the limit Thursday night before falling in five sets, 20-25, 25-22, 25-15, 11-25, 15-10, in CIAA volleyball action.
The Lady Bears opened the match with a strong 25-20 victory before Bowie State answered by taking the next two sets. Shaw responded with its most dominant stretch of the night in the fourth, cruising to a 25-11 win to force a deciding fifth set.
Shaw was highly efficient in the fourth set, recording 13 kills with just one attack error on 24 attempts for a .500 hitting percentage.
The deciding set was tied at 3 before Bowie State created separation with a run that gave the Bulldogs a 12-5 advantage. Shaw refused to go quietly, scoring four consecutive points to trim the deficit to 12-9. Bowie State, however, regained control and closed out the match 15-10.
Taelin Connolley led Shaw offensively with 12 kills while adding two service aces and three total blocks. Nevaeh Ortiz turned in an all-around performance with 11 kills, a match-high 23 digs, four service aces and four assists.
Tatiyana Stevenson added nine kills while committing just one attack error on 16 attempts for a .500 hitting percentage. She also finished with five digs and two total blocks.
Justus Alexander directed the Shaw offense with 32 assists to go along with seven digs, two service aces and two kills. Mary Barnes contributed 18 digs, while Kamaria Sanders and Leana Gould each finished with six kills.
Shaw finished the match with 52 kills and a .165 hitting percentage, compared with 49 kills and a .158 clip for Bowie State. The Lady Bears also held a 12-10 advantage in service aces.
Abena Asomani-Martin paced Bowie State with 14 kills and three service aces. Melisa Anacius and Taylor Johnson added eight kills apiece, while Gabrielle Hale distributed 23 assists.
The loss moved Shaw to 4-14 overall and 4-6 in CIAA play. Bowie State improved to 7-8 overall and 5-5 in conference action.
Shaw is back in action Monday, October 12 as they host Virginia Union University. First serve is slated for 6 PM.
