Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations


WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 15, 2021 – The Howard University women's volleyball team returns home for a pair of nonconference matchups this Thursday and Friday inside Burr Gymnasium.

On Thursday, Sept. 16, Howard squares off against Pac-12 foe Oregon (ranked No. 13 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association [AVCA] Top 25 poll) at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. start time Friday, Sept. 17, against Harvard.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Fans are welcome to attend, but are required to show the Bison Safe App prior to entry. Fans with green and yellow QR codes after answering a short series of questions are permitted to enter. All fans are required to wear masks throughout the duration of the match.
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Fans can follow both contests via live video and/or live stats.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEWS
HOWARD
Howard (3-6) comes in on a high note, knocking off Quinnipiac at the Charm City Challenge. After the tournament, newcomer Bria Woodard was named to the All-Tournament Team.
 
This season, freshman Cimone Woodard ranks among the conference leaders in hitting percentage (.322/5^th) and blocks per set (0.97/5^th).
 
OREGON
Last weekend, the Ducks split their two matches at the Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge. Oregon opened with a sweep of No. 18 Penn State, but dropped a tough five setter to No. 13 Minnesota.
 
Abby Hansen (1.35 block/set), Karson Bacon (1.17 block/set) and Gloria Mutiri (1.13 block/set) are among the league leader in blocks.
 
HARVARD
Harvard (1-5) enters the weekend leading the conference in blocks, averaging 2.15 per set. Sophomore Olivia Cooper has dominated at the net for the Crimson, recording an Ivy League-best 1.16 blocks per set.
 
Head coach Jennifer Weiss enters her 29^th season.
 
LAST TIME OUT
On Sept. 10-11, Howard competed in the Charm City Challenge, presented by Sir Speedy, where the Bison finished 1-2 overall.
 
On Friday, Howard fell to Big Ten foe Maryland in straight sets (16-25, 17-25, 17-25), followed by a three-set loss against UMBC in the nightcap (18-25, 24-26, 19-25).
 
The following day, Howard closed out the weekend on a high note, topping Quinnipiac in four sets (22-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-16).