LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA (October 23, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions volleyball team secured their first victory over the Virginia State University Trojans on Monday evening. The orange and blue battle, ended in favor of the Lions, 3-1, the first time in program history.

GAME INFORMATION
Game Score: Lincoln 3, Virginia State 1
Location: Lincoln University, PA
Records: Lincoln (4-18, 1-11), Virginia State (7-13, 6-6)
Series: Lincoln trails in series, 1-29, against Virginia State

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Set one seemed to rule in favor of the visiting Trojans as they quickly took the lead.
• The Lions did not lose hope as they worked to close the scoring gap and eventually tie the set 11-all.
• Tying the score 4 additional times, LU stayed in range of reaching 25.
• A service ace by Janiece Lumpkin (Middletown, DE/Middletown HS) not only tied the score 22-all, but gave the Lions the momentum to finish strong.
• Trojan errors and a kill by Erica Taylor (Romulus, MI/Romulus Summit Academy) gave the Lions the 25-22 set 1 win.
• Lincoln showed their dominance in set 2 as they held VSU to 13 points.
• Going on several 5-0 runs, the Lions undoubtedly took set 2, 25-13.
• Set 3 was filled with intense back-and-forth action, as the Lions battled to take the lead.
• Despite capitalizing on several VSU errors, set 3 went to the visitors, 25-20.
• With the victory in sight, the Lions worked together to seal the deal.
• Both teams showcased their offensive and defensive skills, resulting in several tied scores (10) and lead changes.
• With the score tied 26-all, the energy was high in Manuel Rivero Gymnasium.
• A kill by Erica Taylor (Romulus, MI/Romulus Summit Academy) and an attack error by the Trojans gave LU the 28-26 set 4 win and overall victory.
• The Lions dominated majority of the statistical categories in their first every victory over the Trojans.
  • Points: LU 56 – VSU 45
  • Kills: LU 46 – VSU 36
  • Aces: LU 4 – VSU 8
  • Blocks: LU 6 – VSU 1
  • Assists: LU 42 – VSU 33
  • Digs: LU 70 – VSU 60

LION LEADERS

• Erica Taylor (Romulus, MI/Romulus Summit Academy) led the charge for the Lions with 16 kills over the Trojans.
• Stepping in for the Lions with 17 assists, 11 digs and 2 aces was Jaida Lumpkin (Middletown, Del./Middletown).
• Leading LU in digs was Janiece Lumpkin (Middletown, DE/Middletown HS), with 15. Mariah Webster (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech/) was not too far behind with 12 digs of her own.
• Madison Hill (Laurel, MD/Reservoir HS) jumped up in the match with 5 blocked for Lincoln in their win over VSU.

 
UP NEXT
The Lions will host the Bulldogs of Bowie State University on Thursday, October 26 in a CIAA Northern Division matchup. The first serve is set for 6pm in Manuel Rivero Gymnasium.