Dillard University Triumphs Over Southern University at New Orleans in Compelling Volleyball Match

NEW ORLEANS– In an electrifying collegiate volleyball showdown at "The Castle," Dillard University emerged victorious over Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) with a decisive 3-1 win. The match, held on September 30, 2025, captivated an audience of 150 spectators who witnessed Dillard's commanding performance.

Dillard (8-6, 5-1) clinched three out of four sets with scores of 25-12, 18-25, 25-16, and 25-15, respectively. SUNO (4-11, 1-5) managed to secure the second set, but their efforts fell short against a more consistent Dillard team.

In the first set, Dillard established dominance with an impressive hitting percentage of .667, while SUNO struggled with a negative hitting percentage of -.045. Dillard's offensive prowess was spearheaded by standout players such as Cadence Thomas, who demonstrated remarkable efficiency with 12 kills and a hitting percentage of .524, contributing 16.5 points to the team's total.

Neveah Bax also played a pivotal role, matching Thomas with 12 kills and showcasing a hitting percentage of .233, adding 12 points for Dillard. Makaela Swoopes was another key contributor, delivering 11 kills and securing 11.5 points.

Dillard's setter, Ajanae Chatham, facilitated the offense with 26 assists and added three service aces, enhancing the team's overall performance. The defensive efforts were led by Jasmyne Mumphrey and Kristian Thomas, who collectively contributed 33 digs, helping to thwart SUNO's attacking attempts.

For SUNO, Malaysia Hudson emerged as a bright spot, recording eight kills with a hitting percentage of .227, while Samaria Berry and Taszia Adkinson added eight and seven points, respectively. However, SUNO's overall hitting percentage for the match was a mere .007, highlighting their struggles in offense against a formidable Dillard defense.

Dillard's coach expressed satisfaction with the team's resilience and strategic execution, particularly after dropping the second set. The ability to regain momentum and decisively close out the subsequent sets was a testament to the team's focus and determination.

SUNO's coach acknowledged the competitive spirit displayed by their squad, noting the need for improvement in consistency and execution to convert their hard work into victories.

With this victory, Dillard University improves its standing in the conference, demonstrating their potential as a strong contender. As both teams look ahead to future matches, Dillard aims to build on this success, while SUNO seeks to rebound and enhance their performance.

This thrilling encounter at The Castle underscored the vibrancy and competitiveness of collegiate volleyball, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the season.

-Bleu Devils-