Central State Volleyball Claims First Win of the Season in Thrilling Four-Set Match

Wilberforce, OH – September 11, 2024 – Central State University's volleyball team secured their first victory of the season in a dramatic four-set match against Harris-Stowe, with set scores of 20-25, 25-23, 25-23, and 25-18. The match, held at Beacom/Lewis Gym, saw a crowd of 502 spectators witness the home team's determined comeback and resilience.

Match Overview: The game was a nail-biter from start to finish. Harris-Stowe initially took the lead, winning the first set 25-20, but Central State bounced back with a gritty performance. The second set was a close contest, with Central State narrowly edging out Harris-Stowe 25-23. The third set mirrored the second in its tightness, but Central State's persistence paid off as they claimed it 25-23. The final set saw Central State pulling away decisively, closing out the match 25-18.

Key Performers:

• DesiRaye Blakely was a standout for Central State, delivering an exceptional performance with 12 kills and a .280 hitting percentage. Her strong presence at the net was crucial in securing the win.
• Kyla McReynolds added 11 kills and 13 points, showing impressive versatility and consistency throughout the match.
• Skye Livingston also played a key role, tallying 10 kills, while Casey Williams supported the team with 9 kills

Central State's Strategy: Central State's victory was a result of their ability to adapt and improve their performance as the match progressed. After a slow start, the team adjusted their strategies, enhancing their blocking and defensive plays. Their resilience in the final sets was highlighted by their strong finishing performance, with 17 kills in the fourth set alone and a hitting percentage of .400.

Harris-Stowe's Performance: Harris-Stowe came out strong but struggled to maintain their momentum. Despite an impressive start and some strong individual performances, including Jehireh Williams' 10 kills and 11 points, and Zahra Coates' 10 kills, they could not close out the match. Harris-Stowe's inability to sustain their early lead and errors in key moments contributed to their loss.

Final Thoughts: This win is a significant boost for Central State, giving them a much-needed morale lift and a positive start to their season. The team's ability to rebound from a set down and their strong performance in the final set were key to their success. Central State will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, aiming to improve their standing in the SIAC and make a push for the playoffs.

The match was a thrilling display of college volleyball and a testament to Central State's determination and skill, marking a promising turn in their season.