Volley Dogs Head Down I 65 For Tri Match

PULASKI, Tenn. (September 13, 2024) – Competition builds character. The Fisk University Lady Bulldog Volleyball Team clearly understands what tough competition can do. After starting the season 1-7, which featured three ranked teams, Fisk sees themselves at 7-8 after winning six of the last seven games.

This weekend, they are back to playing some stiff competition as they take on the 12-3 University of Mobile Rams and UT Southern, who they defeated earlier this season in five sets. It was the first victory over Southern in school history.

"I was excited to find out that we beat them for the first time," said Fisk outside hitter Laila Esters. "I'm sure they will be waiting for us to get revenge. They are a good team. I know about Mobile because I am from Alabama. They are tough, too. This is just another test for us. I can't wait to see how this challenge will take us."

In the first match-up, Esters had her best game of the year, smashing 12 kills and scooping up 15 digs. Her play around the net along with Reagan Jones (18 kills) and Sydney Willis (13 kills) seemed to give UT Southern trouble. Fisk also was money from the service line, led by La'Niyah Lumpkin's five aces, Nialah Gupton's had four aces, and Esters chipped in with three.

In the match, Trinity Britt had her career-high 42 assists. She also was second to Gupton's 21 digs with 11.

The Wallace Media Group "Pick2Click" is Laila Esters. Esters has been playing great of late and should have friends and family at the matches, as Pulaski is about 30 minutes away from her home state of Alabama.

Game 16: Mobile (AL) University (12-3) vs. Fisk University (7-8)

Date/Time: Saturday, September 14 | 3:00 p.m. (CST)

Watch: University of Tennessee Southern | College Sports | Home | Hudl

Location: Pulaski, Tennessee – UT Southern

Game 17: Fisk University (7-8) at UT Southern (3-5)

Date/Time: Saturday, September 14 | 11:00 a.m. (CST)

Watch: University of Tennessee Southern | College Sports | Home | Hudl

Location: Pulaski, Tennessee – UT Southern

Enderle On the Road

Head coach Jessica Enderle and assistant coach Laikin Ramirez were on the road, perfecting the team's roster. This year's team has added three former NCAA players in Aaliyah Bethea (Virginia State University), Laila Esters (Miles College) and Sydney Willis (Belmont University). Reagan Jones was added from Berry College and Anayah Duncan comes to Fisk from conference foe Dillard University. Sahnee Dillahunt-Nedd redshirted last season. She played at Tennessee State University.  

Britt Snags Fourth Setter of the Week Award

Trinity Britt has won the HBCU Athletic Conference Setter of the Week award for the fourth time in as many weeks this season. Britt has made life easy for the Lady Bulldog attackers all season. Last week was no exception, as she had 66 helpers in two games.

The Gainesville, Florida native's 444 assists ranks her 15th in the country in the NAIA. Britt is currently the top setter in the conference in total assists and is second behind teammate Nialah Gupton in total digs.

Re of Light

Sophomore Nebthet Re will look to cash in on an outstanding freshman year. She is the reigning Setter and Freshman of the Year in the conference. She also was named to the First Team. Re had a banner first campaign, finishing with 388 assists, which gave her 7.76 assists per set in conference play. The versatile Marietta, Georgia native also had 100 points on 67 kills, 27 aces and 11 blocks. Defensively, she had 130 digs, which gave her 2.60 digs per set in conference play.

Ramirez In the Bush

Assistant Coach Laikin Ramirez has been a steady contributor to Fisk Volleyball and the athletic department. Ramirez won the conference's Assistant Coach of the Year award. Her knowledge of volleyball and organizational skills have been a welcomed sight at Fisk.

Capping Off a Great Career

Seniors Aja Coffey and Trinity Crawford have been great ambassadors for Fisk Volleyball. Their leadership on the court can be seen and heard. As freshmen, they were part of a team that won 12 games. In the past two seasons, the team has enjoyed 20-win seasons, with last year's team being the first to compete in the GCAC Championship game. This year, they were both named captains of the team.

Next Up: The Lady Bulldogs will return home on Tuesday, September 17, when they take on LeMoyne-Owen.