HAMPTON, Va. (Aug. 29, 2025) … The Hampton University volleyball team opened its 2025 season on Friday night with a hard-fought 25-20, 25-18, 25-13 loss to Florida A&M in front of a raucous Holland Hall crowd.

A young Pirate squad fell behind 10-3 early in the opening set but fought back to trail 19-16 after a FAMU attack error. Kylah McNeal's kill sparked a flurry that pulled Hampton to 20-19 after an ace by Nia Thomas.

The Rattlers, who earned an NCAA Tournament bid in 2024, called timeout and responded with four straight points as an Iyonnie Sanford kill gave the guests a 23-19 lead en route to a 25-20 opening set.

Set two saw Hampton and FAMU bounce back and forth with five ties and two lead changes in the first half of the set. A Jaya Rimm ace pulled the Pirates even at 10-all before the Rattlers ripped off 10 of the next 12 points to lead 20-12 following a Hampton attack error. FAMU opened the final set on a 10-2 run to win 25-13.

The Pirates were paced by Rimm with six kills and two aces, while Racquel Frazier also had six kills. Thomas and Morgan Warren joined Rimm with a pair of aces as well.

Hampton returns to action on Saturday morning hosting East Carolina at 10 a.m. and then closing the event facing Maryland-Eastern Shore at 6 p.m in Holland Hall.