Howard Volleyball Set to Compete in the Charm City Challenge

WASHINGTON – Howard University women’s volleyball team travels to Baltimore for the Charm City Challenge, presented by Sir Speedy. The two-day (Sept. 10-11), four-team event puts HU against Quinnipiac, Big Ten foe Maryland and reigning American East Champion UMBC.

MATCHUP PREVIEWS

HOWARD 

HU (2-4) looks to snap its four-match skid after starting the year 2-0.

The young Bison are led by freshmen Bria Woodard (Missouri City, Texas) and Cimone Woodard (Missouri City, Texas). Junior Essence Bell (Ocala, Fla.) was named to the Duke Invitational All-Tournament Team after averaging nearly 15 digs per match.

MARYLAND

Maryland enters the weekend looking to remain unbeaten (6-0) after notable wins over Virginia, 3-1, and Temple, 3-2.

Monday (Sept. 6), freshman libero Milan Gomillion was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. On the season, she has 104 digs, 15 assists and three aces.

QUINNIPIAC

After winning their season opener versus Holy Cross, 3-2, the Bobcats have dropped their last five matches, dating back to Aug. 27.

Maggie Baker leads the squad with 71 total kills while Alexandra Tennon has a team-best 14 total blocks (two solo) on the year.

UMBC

UMBC (1-7) looks to get back in the win column after dropping their last three contests. The club’s lone victory came in the Cowtown Classic against UT Rio Grande Valley, 3-2.

Freshman Mia Bilusic leads the team in total kills (59) while fellow classmate Mila Ilieva anchors the middle with 32 total blocks (two solo).

LAST TIMEOUT

Howard competed in the Duke Invitational (Sept. 3-4), hosted by the Blue Devils, where they came away empty.

Friday (Sept. 3), HU fell to the Blue Devils in four (25-20, 21-25, 13-25, 12-25) during the morning session. In the nightcap, the Bison lost a tough five set match to the College of Charleston (25-22, 15-25, 25-16, 16-25, 8-15).

The next day (Sept. 4), Howard University wrapped up the weekend with a four-set loss (19-25, 29-27, 25-27, 24-26) against Miami (Ohio).

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

HU returns to The Mecca for a three-match home stand versus Pac-12 opponent Oregon (Sept. 16), Ivy League rival Harvard (Sept. 17) and crosstown foe American (Sept. 21) before starting league play.