Box Score SALEM, Va. (Nov. 11) –Top seed Shaw and second seed Elizabeth City State both earned victories in Friday's semifinal matches at Salem Civic Center. The Bears swept Winston-Salem State in three sets (25-15, 25-20, 25-22) and the Vikings outlasted Fayetteville State in a thrilling five-setter (25-22, 25-21, 15-25, 24-26, 15-11).
Both winners will meet Saturday in the finals at 6 p.m. This will be the third time they tangle this season, this time with a conference title on the line.
Each team won at home during the season series. In the first match, the Vikings came back from an 0-2 deficit to win in five sets. The second match was all Shaw as the Bears gained revenge with a 3-0 sweep.
By virtue of winning in less sets, Shaw claimed the Northern Division title and the tournament's top seed even though both teams finished 15-1 in the conference. The Vikings earned the No. 2 seed.
This will be the Lady Bears' seventh straight appearance in the championship match, having won the crown in 2016 and 2018. This will be the Vikings' first trip to the finals since they hoisted the trophy in 2008.
 
First Semifinal Match
Shaw swept Winston-Salem State on the strength of two late surges which gave the Lady Bears a 2-0 lead. In the first set, the Lady Bears scored 10 consecutive points to break away from a 14-14 tie. The second set was similar as Shaw scored nine straight points to erase a 20-16 deficit and win 25-20. The third set was all Shaw as the Lady Bears led 15-6 on their way to victory.
CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Noelani Beard sparked Shaw (23-7 overall) with 11 kills, 10 digs and two aces. Mallory Brown added 10 kills and two aces and Ilani Myers finished with eight kills and 10 digs.
Two-time CIAA Setter of the Year Breelyn Clark accumulated 33 assists, eight digs and a block for the Bears.
For the fourth seed Rams (15-15 overall), Sanaa Lanier contributed 11 kills and Breona Young finished with 10 kills. Brooke Norwood handed out 12 assists and added nine digs.
 
Second Semifinal Match
Elizabeth City State took two close sets then held off a scrappy Fayetteville State squad in the final match of the night. Backed by an energetic crowd including the FSU football team which is playing for the CIAA crown Saturday, the Broncos climbed back in the match. Down 24-21 in the fourth set, the Broncos scored five straight points to win 26-24 and force a fifth set.
The Vikings seized control in the fifth set, opening a 12-6 lead before finishing off the Broncos.
Elizabeth Kellum had 13 kills and 18 assists to spark the Vikings (24-8 overall). Jada Rouse added 11 kills and 10 digs while CIAA Rookie of the Year Clark Blakemore and Victoria White each finished with nine kills. Kayleigh Sullivan dished out 25 assists and CIAA Defensive Player of the Year Naijya Leggett tallied 18 digs.
Bailey Robinson finished with 15 kills and Cassandra Watson totaled 13 kills to lead the Broncos (16-9 overall). Jordan Johnson collected 16 digs, Jaida Bynum had 33 assists and Xiamana Spikes recorded three solo blocks and three block assists.


The Vikings will face-off against Shaw in the Championship match in the Salem Civic Center on Saturday, November 12. First serve is slated for 6 P.M.