Howard University women’s volleyball closed out the Tiger Invitational on Sunday with a three-set loss to Towson, falling 25-18, 25-14, 25-16.
Senior outside hitter Kennedi Wright led the Bison offensively with seven kills while adding four digs and a service ace.
Howard battled Towson closely early in the opening set and held a 14-12 advantage following a kill from Wright. The Tigers responded with a strong run to take control and eventually claim the frame.
Towson carried that momentum into the second set, leading throughout while hitting .429 to take a commanding 2-0 match advantage.
The Bison showed some fight in the third. Freshman middle blocker Haarachi Umenwaliri helped Howard build a 13-9 lead with a kill, but Towson answered with 13 consecutive points to swing the set in its favor. The Tigers closed out the match with a 25-16 victory in the final frame.
Umenwaliri and junior right side Dayion Johnson each finished with five kills for Howard. Setters Alexys James and Sydnei Jones combined for 26 assists, while junior libero Camryn Shelton anchored the defense with 11 digs.
Shelton’s performance capped a strong weekend that earned her a spot on the Tiger Invitational All-Tournament Team. She finished the tournament with 45 total digs, averaging 3.75 per set, along with two service aces.
Towson was led by Malinah Purcell-Telefoni, who recorded five kills, a match-high five blocks and four service aces.
Howard, now 1-8, returns home Sept. 17 to face crosstown rival Georgetown at 6 p.m. inside Burr Gymnasium.
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