BALTIMORE, Md. (Sept. 5, 2025)--The Morgan State volleyball team continued their 2025 season Friday night, defeating Quinnipiac University, 3-1 (25-21, 15-25, 25-21, 25-21), inside Hill Field House for its home opener on Day 1 of the Morgan/Towson Invitational. Backed by a lively home crowd, the Bears showcased resilience, balance, and composure in the four-set victory.
 
The contest proved to be a true test of Morgan State's character. After claiming the opening set, the Bears struggled through a lopsided second frame in which the Bobcats dominated nearly every phase of play. Yet rather than folding, Morgan State regrouped and responded with discipline, putting together back-to-back set wins that turned the evening into a statement-making performance for head coach Xiomara Ortiz's squad.
 
Leading the way offensively was hitter Hanna Nemeth, who delivered 13 kills while adding six digs to spark the Bears' attack. Her ability to find gaps in the Bobcats' defense gave Morgan State a reliable scoring option throughout the night. Veteran hitter Daniela Ferreira added 12 kills and five digs, providing the steady presence she has become known for.
 
The star turn, however, came from freshman Zayda Thomas, who was impressive in her home debut. Playing in front of family and friends, Thomas finished with seven kills and five block assists. 
 
Defensively, Morgan State's collective effort was evident. The Bears recorded 41 digs and matched that with timely blocking and smart floor coverage. Morgan would finish with a 13.0-2.0 blocking advantage over the Bobcats.
 
The ability to reset rallies and extend plays wore down Quinnipiac, allowing Morgan State to capitalize on mistakes and seize the momentum in critical stretches. Their 42 kills reflected a balanced offensive distribution that kept the Bobcats from keying in on a single attacker.
 
With the win, the Lady Bears not only defended their home court but also sent a message that Hill Field House will not be an easy stop for opponents this season. As Morgan State continues non-conference play and builds toward the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule, Friday's performance offered plenty of optimism and plenty for the fans to cheer about.
 
 
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.