The Bowie State University women’s volleyball team defeated Shaw 3-2 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bowie State won by set scores of 20-25, 25-22, 25-15, 11-25 and 15-10 in a CIAA match. The Bulldogs improved to 7-8 overall and 5-5 in CIAA play, while Shaw fell to 4-14 overall and 4-6 in the conference.
Bowie State finished with 10 service aces and 10 total blocks. Abena Asomani-Martin led the Bulldogs with 17 points, 14 kills and three service aces.
Bowie State University Women’s Volleyball Team Wins Fifth Set
Shaw led 3-2 early in the fifth set before Bowie State moved ahead after a Shaw attack error and consecutive service aces from Kimiko Evans. The Bulldogs extended their advantage to 12-5 with an Abena Asomani-Martin kill, a block by Gabrielle Hale and Melisa Anacius, and another Asomani-Martin ace.
Shaw answered with four consecutive points, including two Nevaeh Ortiz aces, to cut the deficit to 12-9. Taylor Johnson ended the run with a kill and added another kill for set point at 14-10 before Payton Swinton and Jy’Asha Cousins combined on the winning block.
Abena Asomani-Martin Leads Bowie State Attack
Asomani-Martin also contributed during Bowie State’s second- and third-set victories. She recorded kills in both sets and added service aces in each as the Bulldogs took control of the match.
Melisa Anacius supplied eight kills, hit .429 and finished with five total blocks. Gabrielle Hale recorded 23 assists, seven digs, four kills and two blocks, while Mil’lanni Marte collected 15 digs and added two service aces.
Taylor Johnson recorded kills in the second, third and fifth sets. Trinity Loundmon contributed one service ace and one kill, while Amara Pope finished with one kill and one block. Bowie State also received blocks from Madyson Brinson, Jy’Asha Cousins and Payton Swinton.
Shaw Leaders Keep Match Close
Shaw received 12 kills, 16.5 points, two aces and three total blocks from Taelin Connolley. Nevaeh Ortiz added 11 kills, 23 digs and four service aces, while Justus Alexander posted 32 assists, two aces and seven digs.
Mary Barnes led Shaw with 18 digs. Shaw won the opening set 25-20 and the fourth set 25-11, but Bowie State answered by taking the second and third sets before closing out the match in the fifth.
Next Match for Bowie State University
Bowie State University will travel to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to face Elizabeth City State University on Monday, October 12, at 6 p.m. The match will follow the Bulldogs’ five-set victory over Shaw.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Bowie State University received production across multiple areas in the five-set victory. Asomani-Martin led the offense, while Anacius, Hale and Marte contributed blocking, setting and defensive production.
The Bulldogs’ 10 service aces and 10 total blocks supported the comeback after Shaw won the fourth set. Bowie State enters its matchup with Elizabeth City State University at 7-8 overall and 5-5 in CIAA play.
Source: Original report
