Delaware State vs. Howard University: 2024 MEAC Women’s Volleyball Championship Recap

DOVER, Del., Nov. 24, 2024 – The Delaware State University Hornets, ranked No. 3 in the tournament, delivered a stunning five-set upset over the No. 1 Howard University Bison to claim the 2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball Championship. This victory marks the Hornets’ second title in three seasons, having previously won in 2022.

The 2024 MEAC Women’s Volleyball Championship delivered an electrifying showdown between two conference powerhouses: Delaware State and Howard University. This highly anticipated matchup lived up to the hype, showcasing top-tier talent, strategic gameplay, and the unrelenting drive of two exceptional programs.

With the win, the Hornets secured an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament, where their journey will begin on Dec. 5. Their placement and first-round opponent will be announced on Selection Sunday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. ET, live on ESPN.

Game Recap:

The championship match was a five-set thriller, with Delaware State edging out Howard 3-2 to claim their 14th MEAC title.

SET 1 | The Hornets battled through a tightly contested opening set, edging out Howard 26-24 in a stanza defined by drama. With seven lead changes and 13 ties, neither team managed to gain more than a four-point advantage. Delaware State’s front row set the tone defensively, tallying six blocks to stymie Howard’s attack and secure the early lead.

SET 2 | Howard responded in the second set, claiming a 25-22 victory to even the match. Despite the loss, Delaware State displayed offensive efficiency, posting an impressive .361 attack percentage with 17 kills. However, Howard’s resilience and timely plays allowed them to steal the set and swing momentum.

SET 3 | Delaware State regrouped in set three, delivering a dominant 25-20 performance to regain a 2-1 match advantage. The Hornets surged to a 17-10 lead and never looked back, thanks to a .314 attack percentage and 14 kills. Their defensive prowess remained a factor, blocking seven Howard attacks and capitalizing on 10 Lady Bison errors to coast to victory.

SET 4 | The Lady Bison refused to go quietly, rallying to force a decisive fifth set with a narrow 25-23 win in the fourth. Delaware State continued their strong attacking form, posting a .343 attack percentage with 15 kills, but Howard’s timely execution and clutch plays proved to be the difference.

SET 5 | The Hornets saved their best for last, dominating the final set 15-7 to clinch the match. They seized control early at 2-1 and never relinquished the lead, finishing with 10 kills and just one attack error. Delaware State’s relentless offense and stellar defensive effort culminated in their biggest lead of the match—an eight-point margin to secure the championship.

Key Players:

Delaware State:

Delaware State’s attack was spearheaded by Valeria Otero and Gerren Tomlin, who combined for an impressive 35 kills.

• Valeria Otero, a graduate student and outside hitter from Manatí, Puerto Rico, was the heart of Delaware State’s offense, finishing with 18 kills and 12 digs. Her powerful swings and ability to find gaps in Howard’s defense kept Delaware State in the fight throughout the match.

• Gerren Tomlin, a junior outside hitter from Statesville, North Carolina, delivered 17 kills and 20 digs, including several clutch points in the fifth set. Her poise under pressure helped propel Delaware to victory. 

• Naz Tuncay, a junior setter from Istanbul, Turkey, orchestrated the offense with precision, amassing 32 assists to keep the game out of reach for Howard.
• Paige Ahakuelo, a freshman setter from Winchester, Virginia, was instrumental in setting up teammates by contributing with 31 assists, with Tuncay on 63 overall assists.
• Morgan Allen, a graduate student libero from Charlotte, North Carolina, anchored the defense with a game-high 22 digs.

Howard University:

• Rya McKinnon, a junior outside hitter from Hoover, Alabama, was a force to deal with several clutch points in the fifth set, registering 18 kills and eight digs.
• Cimone Woodard, senior middle blocker, Missouri City, Texas, was a presence at the net with 16 kills and one dig. She was critical in the fourth set to spark Howard’s chances for a comeback.
• Dami Awojobi, a senior outside hitter from Hempstead, New York, was poised under pressure, earning 16 kills and 14 digs to keep Howard’s chances alive.
• Aziah Buckner, a graduate student outside hitter from Memphis, Tennessee, amassed 11 kills and 10 digs. Her powerful swings and ability to find gaps in Howard’s defense kept Howard in the fight throughout the match.

• Leah Reeves, a junior setter from Allen, Texas, named MEAC Setter of the Year, recorded 61 assists throughout the five sets.

• Clare Simpson, a junior libero from Plainfield, Illinois, paced the backline with 21 digs.

Breakdown of the Game

1. Offensive Strategies
   • Delaware State relied heavily on its outside hitters to generate points, with Valeria Otero leading the charge. While Howard took more of a balanced attack with contributions from outside and middle, making them harder to defend against.
2. Defensive Play
   • Both teams showcased exceptional defense, but Delaware State’s ability to dig out brutal hits and transition into offense proved to be the difference-maker in the final set.
3. Serving and Passing
   • Serving consistency played a crucial role in the outcome. Delaware St kept the pressure on Howard with well-placed serves, forcing errors in critical moments.
4. Clutch Factor
   • Delaware State’s experience in high-stakes matches gave them the edge in the fifth set, where composure and execution are vital.

What’s Next?

Delaware State University’s win solidifies their status as an MEAC dynasty, while Howard’s valiant effort proves they remain a formidable contender in the conference. Both programs will look to build on this year’s success as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament, where they hope to make noise on a national stage.

The 2024 MEAC Championship was a testament to the growth of women’s volleyball in the conference, showcasing elite talent and thrilling competition that fans won’t soon forget.