Fisk Lady Bulldogs Claim HBCUAC Crown After Record-Setting Season

Undefeated in conference play and rolling on a historic streak, Nashville’s Lady Bulldogs capture the conference title and punch their second straight ticket to the NAIA Tournament.

NASHVILLE, TN - The Fisk University Lady Bulldogs turned a demanding 2026 schedule into a statement season, capping it over the weekend by wrapping up the HBCU Athletic Conference championship and securing their second consecutive berth in the NAIA postseason.

Entering the HBCUAC Tournament in Shreveport, Louisiana, Fisk stood at 28-4 overall and a perfect 12-0 in conference play. The Lady Bulldogs had already locked up the East Division title and carried a school-record winning streak that stretched past 20 matches at its peak.

A straight-set sweep of Wiley University in the opening round set the tone, and the team advanced through the bracket to claim the conference crown against Dillard in the championship match.

The path to this point was anything but routine. Early-season tests against strong non-conference foes, including a signature victory over then-No. 10 Cumberlands, built momentum. Fisk also knocked off Lindsey Wilson and navigated multiple five-set battles on the road. By late October the Lady Bulldogs were rolling, dominating conference opponents while collecting individual and team hardware.

Head coach Jessica Enderle, named HBCUAC Coach of the Year for the third time, reached her 150th career win during the campaign. Assistant Nicole Zarate earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors. On the court, senior outside hitter Shelby Chamblin - a returning All-American - was named Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year. Setter Kaia Barnett claimed Setter of the Year after directing the offense with more than 900 assists and ranking among the national leaders in service aces; she also became Fisk’s first NAIA National Setter of the Week. Laila Esters and Reagan Jones earned First-Team All-Conference recognition, while libero Trinity Stevenson collected Second-Team honors for her defensive work. Senior La’Niyah Lumpkin reached the 100-win milestone as a Bulldog.

The group’s balance stood out. Chamblin delivered consistent double-digit kill performances and multiple double-doubles. Barnett’s precise setting and serving created opportunities for the front line. Stevenson stabilized the back row with hundreds of digs and clean receptions. Depth from players such as Chenille McClellan, Morgan Walters, and Bailee Payne kept the attack fresh through a long season.

With the conference title secured, Fisk now turns its attention to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round later this month. The Lady Bulldogs return significant experience and have already proven they can compete with ranked programs. Last year’s postseason appearance provided valuable lessons; this year’s deeper roster and tighter execution position them for a stronger national run.

Enderle has repeatedly stressed that regular-season success means little once the single-elimination format begins. The message has clearly resonated. A senior-heavy core that refused to coast, combined with young contributors gaining confidence, has produced one of the strongest seasons in program history.

As the Lady Bulldogs prepare for the national stage, the focus remains simple: continue the standard they set all fall. For a program that has steadily elevated its profile inside the HBCUAC and beyond, the conference championship is both validation and motivation. The next challenge awaits, and Fisk enters it with momentum, depth, and proven resilience.