Virginia Union University's
Jordan Carter had six kills and seven defensive digs, but Elizabeth City State University defeated the Lady Panthers 25-18, 25-13, 25-22 on Monday, September 21, in Elizabeth City, N.C.
Carter led the Lady Panthers offensively with six kills and added seven digs.
Alana Simmons contributed five kills and two blocks, while
Mariana Soriano recorded a team-high 10 assists.
Virginia Union opened the match with 18 points in the first set before Elizabeth City State closed out the set 25-18. The Vikings then took the second set 25-13 before the Lady Panthers battled back in the third set, scoring 22 points before ECSU secured the 25-22 victory.
The Lady Panthers finished with 26 kills, four service aces and five blocks. VUU also recorded 21 digs and 26 assists in the match.
"Tonight was a tough loss on the road against Elizabeth City State University," said VUU Head Volleyball Coach Anetra Sims. "Credit to Elizabeth City State—they played with great discipline, energy, and team chemistry. For us, tonight was a reminder that volleyball is a team sport, and we have to learn to trust one another, communicate, and compete together.
"At times, we played as individuals instead of as one unit, and that is something we will continue to address. But this is not the time to fold—it's time to work. We are still finding our identity, developing our chemistry, and working to put the right pieces together.
"The process may not always be easy, but we will continue to grind, compete, and grow. The losses do not define this team. How we respond does. We will get back in the gym, get back to work, and continue building the team we know we can become. The grind continues. The work continues. We will gel. We will grow. We will get better."
Virginia Union falls to 3-5 overall and 0-1 in CIAA play.
The Lady Panthers return home to face Shaw University at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, at Barco-Stevens Hall in Richmond, Va.
