ALBANY, Ga. — The Fort Valley State University women's volleyball team delivered a strong all-around performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Claflin University, 3-1, at the Black Excellence Volleyball Classic inside the HPER Gym. The Wildcats battled through four competitive sets, winning 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 and 25-19 to secure their first victory of the season.
Fort Valley State established its presence early, taking the opening set behind a balanced offensive attack and timely serving. After Claflin answered in the second set, the Wildcats responded with poise, winning the third set 25-22 before closing out the match with a decisive 25-19 fourth-set victory.
Tanyla Farley led the Wildcats offensively with 13 kills on 27 attacks, recording a .370 hitting percentage and finishing with a team-high 13 points. Dakotah Holmes also turned in a strong performance with nine kills, three service aces and 10 digs, contributing in multiple areas throughout the match.
Mashayla Collins provided another major spark for Fort Valley State, finishing with six kills, three service aces and a team-high 15 digs. Collins also played a key role late in the match, delivering an ace and helping produce consecutive points that pushed the Wildcats toward the fourth-set victory.
The Wildcats also received important contributions from Antonia Brewer, who recorded four kills, while Madyson Gillespie made her presence felt from the service line with five aces. Kenley Covington added an ace and eight digs, while Ce'Mone Jose contributed a block as Fort Valley State continued to find ways to make an impact defensively.
Behind the offense was setter Nyalie Locke, who orchestrated the Wildcats' attack with 27 assists while also recording three service aces and eight digs. Her ability to distribute the ball helped Fort Valley State finish the match with 37 kills and 36 assists as a team.
The fourth set showcased the Wildcats' determination to finish the job. Fort Valley State jumped out to an early 5-1 advantage behind a trio of Holmes service aces, then continued to withstand Claflin's attempts to close the gap. Collins and Holmes helped generate crucial points down the stretch, while Farley and Scott Shamora provided timely kills to keep the Wildcats in control.
The victory gives Fort Valley State its first win of the season and provides momentum as the Wildcats continue competition at the Black Excellence Volleyball Classic.
With contributions coming from every part of the lineup, Fort Valley State showed that its strength lies in its ability to compete together. From Farley's offensive production and Collins' defensive work to Locke's setting and Gillespie's impact from the service line, the Wildcats put together the complete performance needed to earn their first win of the 2026 campaign.
