BLUEFIELD, WV (November 9, 2023)- The Lincoln University volleyball team took on Big Blue of Bluefield State University in the Lions last contest of the season. The road matchup ended in favor of the Bluefield State, with a score of 3-0.

GAME INFORMATION
Game Score: Lincoln 0, Bluefield State 3
Location: Bluefield, WV
Records: Lincoln (4-22, 1-13), Bluefield State (15-16, 12-5)
Series: Lincoln trails in series, 0-4, against Bluefield State

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Lions worked to power pass their opponents home court advantage as they faced one of the top ranked teams in the CIAA Northern Division.
• Janaa Smith (Rochester, N.Y./Our Lady of Mercy) got LU on the board in the 1^st set, followed by a Bluefield State attack error to have the Lions trailing by 1.
• Big Blue would quickly jump ahead as LU battled to collect points from kills and home team errors.
• Set 1 ended with a score of 25-14, in favor the home team.
• LU had a tough run in set 2, taking a 25-9 loss.
• Entering the final set of the season for the Lions, a kill by Haley Loper (Middletown, Del./St. Georges Technical) and an attack error gave Lincoln their first lead of the contest.
• Despite securing several points off of errors as the set progressed, LU was not able to catch up to Bluefield State as they pulled away for a 25-14 set 3 win and the overall victory.

LION LEADERS

• Haley Loper (Middletown, Del./St. Georges Technical) led the charge for the Lions with 5 kills against the Bluefield State.
• Stepping in for the Lions with 7 assists and 7 digs was Jaida Lumpkin (Middletown, Del./Middletown).

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Although the Lions have rounded out their 2023 season with a 4-22 overall record, 1-13 in the CIAA, LU had a few highlights during the season. In addition to honoring seniors Erica Taylor (Romulus, MI/Romulus Summit Academy) and Erinn Taylor (Romulus, MI/Romulus Summit Academy) for the years of dedication and leadership on the team, the Lions also secured a huge conference win against the Virginia State University Trojans, the 1^st time in program history!