LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — The Lincoln University (Pa.) volleyball team will compete in six conference matches this weekend at the CIAA Round-Up hosted by Winston-Salem State University. The three-day event runs Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The Lions open Friday against Livingstone at 3 p.m., followed by Claflin at 7 p.m. Saturday's slate includes a 1 p.m. matchup with host Winston-Salem State and a 5 p.m. contest against Fayetteville State. Lincoln concludes the weekend Sunday against Bluefield State at 9 a.m. and Johnson C. Smith at 5 p.m.

All matches will be streamed live on the CIAA Sports Network

Scouting the Teams
Livingstone: The Blue Bears enter the weekend 9–3 overall and 2–1 in CIAA play following a sweep of Bluefield State on Sept. 28. Livingstone won that match 25–21, 25–19 and 25–16, using an 8–1 run in the third set to take control. Lincoln will look to limit extended scoring runs against its opening opponent.

Claflin: The Lady Panthers are 7–7 overall and 1–2 in conference play after falling to Fayetteville State in three sets. Zaniya Harris recorded six kills, seven digs and three blocks in that match, while Abigail Watts collected 15 digs. Claflin's defense will challenge Lincoln to sustain rallies and finish attacking opportunities.

Winston-Salem State: The host Rams enter at 6–4 overall and 2–1 in the CIAA after sweeping Johnson C. Smith. Aria Caldwell led WSSU with seven kills and a .556 hitting percentage, while Holiday Ellis added five kills and 10 digs. Setter Zaria Keys contributed 16 assists and three aces, giving Lincoln a serving threat to prepare for Saturday's opener.

Fayetteville State: The Broncos bring a 6–1 overall record and a perfect 3–0 conference mark into the round-up. Mya Hejl led their most recent sweep of Claflin with 11 kills, a .400 hitting percentage and three blocks. Melissa Gonzalez and Giovanna Teixeira combined for 29 assists, supporting a balanced attack that produced 43 kills.

Bluefield State: The Big Blue enter at 6–6 overall and 1–2 in CIAA play following a loss to Livingstone. Danielle Robinson led Bluefield State with 14 kills and six digs, while Tessa Heffner and Mekenna Scott combined for 21 assists and four aces. Lincoln will look to contain Robinson and maintain steady serve reception in Sunday's first match.

Johnson C. Smith: The Golden Bulls enter the weekend seeking their first win at 0–5 overall and 0–3 in conference play. JCSU most recently fell to Winston-Salem State in three sets. Karmah Thomas served consecutive aces during an early six-point run in that match, showing the Golden Bulls' ability to create momentum from the service line.

With two matches each day, Lincoln will look to establish consistent passing, limit errors and sustain its defensive effort throughout the weekend. The round-up provides six opportunities for the Lions to gain ground in conference play while facing a variety of CIAA opponents. LU is led by Amira Billingsley (Glen Burnie, MD/) with 39 kills and 14 blocks, Donavyn Morris (Chester, PA/) leads in digs with 68 and Charly Manley (Upper Marlboro, MD/Frederick Douglass HS) leads in assists with 112.

Up Next
Following the round-up, Lincoln travels to Felician University on Wednesday, Oct. 7, for a 7 p.m. nonconference match before returning to conference play hosting Virginia Union on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.