NEWARK, De. (Sept. 5, 2025) … The Hampton University volleyball team dropped its opening game of the Blue Hen Invitational Friday night vs Virginia Tech 25-12, 25-10, 25-7 in Carpenter Sports Building. 

The Hokies jumped out to an early 8-2 lead before Katerina Pappa registered a kill courtesy of Nia Thomas for the Pirates. Hampton continued to cut into the Virginia Tech lead with kills from Kylah McNeal and Jaya Rimm, but the Hokies responded, holding a commanding 13-6 lead midway through the opening set. Virginia Tech continued to pull away over the course of the opening set to win 25-12.

A Pappa kill opened the scoring in set two, but the Hokies quickly battled back rattling off six unanswered to take a 6-1 lead. Virginia Tech continued their hot start to set two, adding a second 7-1 run to help take set two 25-10. The Hokies continued that momentum in set three to sweep the Pirates. Pappa led Hampton with eight kills, while Racquel Frazier added four. Ida Wiszomirska had eight assists, while Pappa and Dila Derendeli registered four digs. 

Hampton is back in action Saturday, September 6 at 10 a.m. when they take on Le Moyne in day two of the Blue Hen Invitational. The Pirates will close out the tournament with the night cap against Delaware at 5 p.m. That game will be streamed on ESPN+.