Championship Clash: Fisk vs. Dillard Meet for HBCUAC Volleyball Title Match
East No. 1 Fisk Bulldogs (29-6, 10-0) vs. West No. 1 Dillard Bleu Devils (17-8, 11-1)
The stage is set for an electric championship showdown as the Fisk Bulldogs and Dillard Bleu Devils—the top seeds from their respective divisions—meet to crown the 2025 HBCU Athletic Conference Volleyball Champion. Both teams have dominated conference play and arrive riding hot streaks, setting up a fascinating contrast in styles and strengths.
The Bulldogs' Dominant Run
Fisk enters the championship match as the tournament favorite, boasting an impressive 29-6 overall record and a perfect 10-0 conference slate. The Bulldogs have been virtually unstoppable down the stretch, winning seven consecutive matches and demonstrating why they're considered one of the elite programs in the conference.
The Bulldogs' success stems from a balanced, high-powered offense that averages 12.08 kills per set. Junior outside hitter Shelby Chamblin leads the charge with 315 kills (2.79 per set) and a .233 hitting percentage, providing consistent firepower from the pin. But Fisk's depth is truly formidable—Laila Esters adds 241 kills from the middle, while Reagan Jones contributes 304 kills from the opposite side.
What sets Fisk apart is their relentless serving pressure. The Bulldogs average a conference-best 2.42 service aces per set, with 288 aces on the season. In conference play, that number jumps to an eye-popping 3.22 aces per set, making them one of the most dangerous serving teams in the nation. Nialah Gupton, the senior libero, has been a rock defensively with 479 digs, while junior setter Kaia Barnett orchestrates the offense with 678 assists.
The Bleu Devils' Resilient Campaign
Don't let Dillard's 17-8 record fool you—the Bleu Devils have been battle-tested and are peaking at the right time. After an 11-1 conference record, Dillard has won their last two matches and six of their last seven, showing the kind of momentum that can carry teams to championships.
The Bleu Devils are led by sophomore outside hitter Makaela Swoopes, who has been sensational with 147 kills (2.77 per set) and a .217 hitting percentage despite playing in fewer matches. Junior middle blocker Cadence Thomas has been a force at the net with 177 kills and a team-best .280 hitting percentage, while also contributing 51 total blocks.
Where Dillard truly excels is in their blocking game. The Bleu Devils average 1.83 blocks per set overall, with Gabrielle Washington (55 total blocks) and Thomas forming a formidable wall at the net. Senior setter Nanyelis Sosa-Moreno runs the offense with 532 assists (6.82 per set), while junior libero Jasmyne Mumphrey anchors the defense with a team-high 291 digs.
Perhaps most importantly, Dillard has shown they can win away from home, posting a 6-6 road record that includes crucial conference victories. Their hitting percentage jumps significantly in conference play (.240) compared to their overall mark (.196), suggesting they elevate their game against top competition.
The Matchup
This championship match presents a classic contrast: Fisk's aggressive serving and offensive balance against Dillard's blocking prowess and tournament experience.
Fisk's Path to Victory:
- Unleash the serve: The Bulldogs must replicate their conference-play serving dominance (3.22 aces per set) to disrupt Dillard's offensive rhythm
- Spread the wealth: With multiple weapons like Chamblin, Jones, and Esters, Fisk should attack from all positions to overwhelm Dillard's blockers
- Control the tempo: Barnett needs to keep the offense flowing and exploit any defensive gaps created by their pressure serving
Dillard's Path to Victory:
- Win at the net: Thomas and Washington must dominate the blocking battle and slow down Fisk's balanced attack
- Execute the sideout game: Swoopes and the outside hitters need to be efficient in pressure situations
- Sosa-Moreno's distribution: The setter must keep Fisk's defense honest by utilizing all her weapons, particularly the hot-hitting Thomas
- Defense to offense: Mumphrey and the back row need to convert Fisk's aggressive swings into transition opportunities
The X-Factors
The serving battle will be crucial. Fisk's 288 aces dwarf Dillard's 121, but the Bleu Devils have been more efficient (147 service errors vs. 242 for Fisk). If Dillard can weather Fisk's serving storm and minimize free points, they can keep matches close.
The block-dig ratio also bears watching. Fisk's 2.00 blocks per set edges Dillard's 1.83, but both teams excel at defense. The team that can convert defensive stops into offensive runs will have a significant advantage.
Championship Moment
Fisk comes in as the favorite with their undefeated conference record and seven-match winning streak, but Dillard has the size, blocking ability, and championship mettle to repeat as champions. The Bulldogs' depth and serving prowess make them dangerous, but the Bleu Devils' ability to elevate their game in conference play (.240 hitting percentage) shows they're ready for this moment – for the second year in a row. Fisk is ready too, making the title match for the third time in four years.
One thing is certain: when these two conference champions meet, fans will witness the best that HBCU volleyball has to offer. The 2025 HBCUAC Volleyball Championship crown awaits—and both teams have proven they have what it takes to wear it.