Fisk Volleyball Outlasts Freed-Hardeman in Five-Set Thriller to Extend September Win Streak

NASHVILLE, TN - The Fisk University Bulldogs volleyball team kept its flawless September record intact on Tuesday night, battling through a grueling five-set marathons against Freed-Hardeman University (25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 16-25, 15-7). Driven by a dominant decisive frame and key contributions across the board, the Bulldogs proved their mettle in high-pressure moments to remain undefeated on the month.

The opening sets were a testament to Fisk’s resilience in late-game execution. In the first set, back-and-forth action saw Freed-Hardeman construct late momentum, but clutch swings from Shelby Chamblin and Laila Esters secured a tight 25-23 opening win. The second set followed a nearly identical script: despite pressure from FHU's net defense, setter Kaia Barnett orchestrated a balanced attack, repeatedly finding Chamblin and Reagan Jones to claim another 25-23 victory and take a commanding 2-0 match lead.

Freed-Hardeman refused to go quietly, mounting a fierce comeback in the third and fourth sets. Powered by the offensive rhythm of Marija Cabadaj and Teodora Dacic, FHU capitalized on Fisk errors to take the third set 25-22 before overpowering the Bulldogs 25-16 in the fourth to force a decisive fifth set.

With the match on the line, Fisk regained total control. Tied 2-2 early in the final frame, defensive specialist Kacie Miyahira sparked a game-changing 8-0 run from the service line. Miyahira delivered three service aces during the stretch, completely unsettling FHU’s reception and creating transition opportunities for Jones and Jayla Bond at the net.

Fisk surged to an 11-4 lead and never looked back. Fittingly, after a joint block by Jones and Bond set up match point at 14-6, Shelby Chamblin delivered the match-ending kill off a precise set from Barnett to lock up the 15-7 set victory and seal the match win.

Chamblin led the offensive charge alongside strong front-row play from Esters, Jones, and La'Niyah Lumpkin, while Barnett’s consistent distribution and Trinity Stevenson’s back-row defense kept the Bulldogs grounded during FHU’s mid-match push.

With the victory, Fisk extends its undefeated streak through September, showing elite composure when pushed to the limit. The Bulldogs look to carry this momentum forward as conference play continues.