The American University volleyball team needed only three sets to defeat local-rival Howard Wednesday evening in Bender Arena in the Eagles' last non-conference match of the season. The victory, the Eagles' ninth in their last 10 matches, came by set scores of 25-15, 25-18, and 26-24.

American (14-10) hit an impressive .438 as a team to earn the straight-set win, led by Kelly McCaddin's .750 hitting percentage as she picked up 10 kills. Juliana Crum was also impressive with 14 kills, a .565 hitting mark, and nine digs. Sara Rishell and Morgan Hendrix each hit upwards of .333 in the match as they registered 10 and six kills, respectively. Monika Smidova, meanwhile, led the Eagles with 22 assists and 10 digs.

The Eagles hit .464 in each of the first two sets while holding Howard (4-18) below .210 in both stanzas to jump out to the quick 2-0 lead. The Bison put up a fight in the third set, but Rishell concluded the match with a kill to give AU the victory.

AU will hit the road this weekend for its final conference matches away from Bender Arena this season. The Eagles will first visit Colgate on Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m. before taking on Bucknell Saturday, October 22 at 4 p.m.