TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M volleyball looks to build momentum this weekend as the Rattlers return home for a pair of key Southwestern Athletic Conference matchups, hosting Texas Southern on Sunday at 1 p.m. and Prairie View A&M on Monday at 6 p.m. inside the Al Lawson Center. Both matches will be live streamed on SWAC TV. 

After showing steady improvement throughout the season, the Rattlers (4–12, 2–5 SWAC) are aiming to climb the conference standings with back-to-back home victories. FAMU enters the weekend as one of the league's top defensive units, ranking first in the SWAC and 63rd nationally in blocks per set (2.43) and first in opponent hitting percentage (.177) — a testament to the team's grit at the net.

Leading the charge for FAMU is junior middle blocker Farah Farooq, who has been a force on both ends of the court. Farooq ranks first in the SWAC and 100th nationally in hitting percentage (.350), while also standing among the top three in the league in blocks per set (1.06). Her efficient play has anchored a Rattler front line that continues to frustrate opposing hitters.

Scouting the Opponents

Texas Southern (4–10, 2–6 SWAC) comes to Tallahassee searching for consistency on offense. The Tigers rank 10th in the SWAC in aces per set (1.23) and eighth in kills per set (10.21). FAMU's balanced blocking unit will look to capitalize, controlling the tempo early and keeping TSU out of rhythm.

Monday's opponent, Prairie View A&M (8–8, 4–4 SWAC), presents a tougher challenge. The Panthers rank near the top of the league in offensive production, including third in assists per set (10.93) and third in kills per set (11.88). Senior standout Kylee Owens leads the SWAC in multiple categories, including aces (32), total kills (257), and total attacks (747), making her the focal point of Prairie View's attack.

To counter, FAMU's back row — led by libero Leila Smalls, who ranks second in the SWAC with 4.19 digs per set — will be pivotal in slowing down Owens and the Panthers' offensive flow.

Rattler Pride Rising

Despite a challenging schedule, the Rattlers continue to show flashes of dominance. Their 2.43 blocks per set not only lead the SWAC but also place them among the nation's top 70 programs, a bright spot that underscores the team's potential heading into the second half of conference play.
With home-court energy behind them, FAMU will look to turn its defensive strength into victories.
Fans are encouraged to wear orange and green, bring their Rattler spirit, and make their voices heard as Florida A&M looks to strike twice in SWAC play.
Next Up:

• Sunday, 1 p.m. — Florida A&M vs. Texas Southern
• Monday, 6 p.m. — Florida A&M vs. Prairie View A&M
• Location: Al Lawson Center, Tallahassee, Fla.