RICHMOND, Va. (October 29, 2026) – The Lincoln University (PA) women's volleyball team demonstrated resilience and determination Thursday evening, delivering a strong defensive performance and showing steady improvement throughout its Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) matchup against Virginia Union University at Barco-Stevens Hall.

Despite falling in three sets (10-25, 17-25, 21-25), the Lions continued to build momentum as the match progressed, highlighted by a competitive third set and an impressive presence at the net.

Match Highlights

Lincoln showcased its defensive strength, finishing with seven total blocks compared to Virginia Union's two. The Lions also recorded 42 digs, 19 kills, 18 assists and five service aces.

Freshman Niana Coar (Aberdeen, MD/) led Lincoln's offensive attack with five kills while adding a service ace and three digs. Elise Carter (Smyrna, DE/Smyrna HS) and Audreynette Lydgate (Bowie, MD/Charles Herbert Flowers HS) contributed four kills apiece, providing additional offensive support throughout the contest.

At the net, Amira Billingsley (Glen Burnie, MD/) delivered an impressive defensive performance, recording three solo blocks and one block assist. Yvette Mercedes (Columbia, MD/) added two solo blocks and one block assist, helping Lincoln establish a strong presence along the front line.

Senior setter Charly Manley (Upper Marlboro, MD/Frederick Douglass HS) continued to lead the Lions' offensive distribution, finishing with a team-high 14 assists. Manley also contributed nine digs, two service aces and two kills, demonstrating her versatility on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, Donavyn Morris (Chester, PA/) anchored the back row with a team-high 14 digs, providing key defensive support and helping Lincoln extend rallies.

How It Happened

Virginia Union established an early advantage in the opening set, taking a 25-10 victory despite Lincoln recording six kills and continuing to battle at the net.

The Lions responded with increased offensive production in the second set, registering seven kills while continuing to challenge the Panthers. Lincoln improved its scoring output by seven points from the opening frame before Virginia Union secured the set, 25-17.

Lincoln saved its strongest overall effort for the third set.

The Lions elevated their defensive intensity, limiting Virginia Union to a .080 hitting percentage and forcing 10 attacking errors in the frame. Lincoln's continued pressure and determination helped produce its highest-scoring set of the evening.

With improved defensive execution and contributions across the lineup, Lincoln pushed Virginia Union in a competitive third set before the Panthers ultimately closed out the match, 25-21.

The Lions' progression from 10 points in the opening set to 21 in the final frame reflected the team's ability to make adjustments and compete with greater consistency as the match unfolded.

Although Virginia Union earned the victory, Lincoln's defensive effort, particularly at the net, provided encouraging takeaways as the Lions continue their CIAA schedule.

Up Next

Lincoln returns to action on Saturday, October 31, when the Lions host Virginia State University in another CIAA matchup. First serve is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

The Lions will look to carry their defensive intensity and late-match momentum into their return home.

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