Volleyball Comes Home with a Split at the Cumberland Tri Meet

Lebanon, Tenn. (August 26, 2025)- The Fisk University Lady Bulldogs emerged from the Cumberland Tri Meet with a hard-fought split, showcasing flashes of the poised, powerful team that opened the season. The Lady Bulldogs dispatched Bryan College in straight sets, their aggressive serving and disciplined defense setting the tone for a dominant performance. Against tournament host Cumberland University, Fisk surged ahead by capturing the opening set, but couldn't maintain their rhythm as the match wore on. Cumberland rallied, and despite the Bulldogs' best efforts, Fisk ultimately dropped the next three sets, resulting in a four-set defeat.

Game One

The Lady Bulldogs wasted no time putting their renewed resilience on display, sweeping Bryan College in straight sets with a balanced attack and stifling defense. La'Niyah Lumpkin ignited the squad early, delivering four kills in the opening frame and swinging at an impressive .500 clip to set the tempo. As the match progressed, it was Fisk's defense that asserted dominance—forcing 12 Bryan errors in the second set and suffocating their rhythm at the net.

In the decisive third set, Shelby Chamblin took center stage, firing off four service aces and contributing another standout performance on defense. Her relentless energy, paired with Lumpkin's net presence, was too much for the opposition to overcome. Chamblin led the team with 11 digs, while Lumpkin anchored the block, notching three of Fisk's eight total rejections.

Offensively, the Lady Bulldogs showcased remarkable parity. Chamblin, Lumpkin, Reagan Jones, Delaney Farver, and Laila Esters all tied for the team lead with six kills apiece—a testament to the depth and versatility that have become hallmarks of Fisk's season. The setting tandem of Nebthet Re and Kaia Barnett continued their orchestrating ways, combining for 24 assists (14 for Re, 10 for Barnett) and keeping the attack unpredictable.

Game Two

The Lady Bulldogs carried their momentum into their next matchup against Cumberland University, starting fast and seizing the opening set with the same defensive intensity that had propelled them earlier in the day against Bryan. However, the host Phoenix regrouped and found their rhythm, capturing the next three sets to hand Fisk a hard-fought, four-set defeat. Reagan Jones was electric on the attack, notching a match-high 16 kills, while Re continued to facilitate with precision, tallying 24 assists. On the defensive end, Nialah Gupton anchored the back row with a gritty 20 digs, but despite their efforts, the Bulldogs couldn't reclaim the early advantage.

With every rotation contributing and their competitive fire reignited, the Lady Bulldogs made a clear statement: they are ready to rise to every challenge ahead. As they set their sights on the upcoming Freed Hardeman Labor Day Tournament, Fisk enters with momentum, confidence, and a renewed sense of unity—prepared to chase victory and continue their relentless pursuit of excellence.

As the whistle blows in Lebanon, all eyes will be on Fisk to see how they respond to adversity, rally together, and chase victory once more.

Next Up: Freed Hardeman Labor Day Tournament August 29-30.