The Bowie State Bulldogs head to Lincoln, Pennsylvania, this Monday, November 2, for a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) volleyball rematch against Lincoln (PA) University. With the first serve set for 6 p.m., the Bulldogs are looking to secure a vital road win as the regular season draws to a close.
Building Momentum Toward the CIAA Tournament
Bowie State enters this matchup with a 12-14 overall record, including a 10-10 mark in conference play, according to Bowie State Athletics. The team is coming off a hard-fought five-set loss to Shaw University on October 29. Despite that setback, the Bulldogs demonstrated significant resilience by rallying to force a deciding frame after trailing in the match. During that contest, the team recorded 41 kills and 65 digs, showcasing a defensive intensity that the coaching staff hopes to replicate on the road against the Lady Lions.
For the Bulldogs, the stakes are clear. Maintaining a position among the conference’s top eight teams is essential for securing a spot in the CIAA Women’s Volleyball Championship, which is scheduled for November 8–9 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Every conference victory at this stage in the calendar serves as a critical tiebreaker and a boost to the team’s postseason standing.
Abena Asomani-Martin and Taylor Johnson Lead Balanced Offensive Attack
The success of the Bowie State rotation has been built on a balanced offensive attack. Abena Asomani-Martin continues to anchor the squad, leading the team with 156 kills and providing versatile play with 211 digs. Her performance against Shaw—where she logged 10 kills and 17 digs—highlights her role as a consistent presence on both sides of the net.
Supporting that production is a deep core of contributors:
- Taylor Johnson: With 164 kills and 164 digs, Johnson provides a dependable attacking option who mirrors Asomani-Martin’s versatility.
- Payton Swinton: A multi-threat presence who has recorded 168 kills and 33 service aces, giving the Bulldogs an advantage from the service line.
- Gabrielle Hale: The team’s setter, who has directed the offense with 641 assists, serving as the primary coordinator for the team’s attacking rhythm.
The Rematch Against Lincoln (PA)
Monday’s game marks the second meeting between these two schools in less than a week. In their previous encounter on October 27 at A.C. Jordan Arena, Bowie State claimed a dominant 3-0 sweep, winning by set scores of 25-9, 25-15, and 25-15. As reported by Lincoln University Athletics, the Lady Lions struggled to establish an offensive rhythm in that match, finishing with a -.054 hitting percentage and only 16 kills.
While Bowie State controlled the net in that first meeting—recording 30 kills and 12 service aces—the Lions are expected to use their home-court advantage to force a different outcome. Lincoln’s offense in the previous outing was led by Elise Carter, who recorded five kills, and setter Charly Manley, who directed the team with 10 assists. For the Lions, improving their hitting efficiency and limiting unforced errors will be the primary objectives in defending their home court.
The Road to the Regular Season Finale
Following the conclusion of Monday night’s action, the schedule does not provide much respite for the Bulldogs. The team is slated to travel to Petersburg, Virginia, on Thursday, November 5, for their regular-season finale against Virginia State University. That match, also starting at 6 p.m., will serve as the final opportunity for the Bulldogs to refine their rotation and solidify their seeding before the conference tournament begins in Rocky Mount.
The transition from the high-intensity conference play of early November to the high-stakes environment of the championship tournament requires a level of consistency that Bowie State has spent the last month refining. Whether the Bulldogs can maintain their defensive discipline under the pressure of a road environment against a hungry Lincoln (PA) team will likely determine the momentum they carry into the final days of the season.
