Charlotte, NC – The 2025 volleyball season was one for the record books at Livingstone College, as two standout athletes earned top honors from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Senior pin hitter Love Riley capped her career with an All-CIAA First Team selection, while freshman setter Justyce McKennie made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the All-CIAA Rookie Team.
First Team Utility – Love Riley
Riley delivered a dominant final season, finishing with 274 kills and a .166 hitting percentage across 92 sets. She averaged 3.34 kills per set, adding 11 assists, 26 service aces, and 164 digs, along with 16 total blocks. Her offensive production translated into 313 total points, making her one of the most reliable scorers in the CIAA.
Her season featured several standout performances:
- 22 kills vs Johnson & Wales (NC) on September 12
- 26 points and 4 aces vs Claflin on November 10
- 16 digs vs Bluefield State on October 19
- 6 assists at Johnson C. Smith on October 27
Riley's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—attacking, serving, and defending—cemented her legacy as a cornerstone of Livingstone volleyball.
McKennie wasted no time making her mark as the Lady Blue Bears' setter. She recorded 399 assists, averaging 5.03 assists per set, and added 23 service aces, 179 digs, and 10 total blocks. Her versatility was on full display during a five-set thriller against Elizabeth City State on October 19, where she posted 43 assists, 3 kills, 3 aces, and 13 digs, earning her season-high 6.5 points. McKennie also notched 17 digs vs Salem (WV) and earned CIAA Rookie of the Week honors for her performance against Shaw.
