TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M volleyball is set for a crucial conference road trip this weekend, facing Alabama State on Friday at 7 p.m. EST in Montgomery before taking on Alabama A&M Sunday at 1 p.m. EST in Huntsville.

The Rattlers enter the weekend leaning on one of the SWAC's most formidable defenses. FAMU leads the league in opponent hitting percentage (.169) and ranks 20th nationally in total blocks (133.0), establishing itself as a team built on toughness at the net.

• Defensive Leaders: Sophomore middle blocker Farah Farooq tops the SWAC in hitting percentage (.362) while ranking second in blocks per set (1.22). Veteran libero Ruxandra Flueras anchors the back row with 157 digs on the season.

Opponent Preview: Alabama State
Alabama State (ASU) enters the weekend with one of the SWAC's most reliable scorers in Jyriah Morgan, who leads the conference in kills per set (3.70). The Hornets rely heavily on Morgan's offensive firepower to set the tone, making FAMU's blocking game critical in slowing her impact.

Opponent Preview: Alabama A&M
Alabama A&M sits near the top of the SWAC standings behind one of the league's most efficient offenses. The Bulldogs lead the conference in hitting percentage (.232), assists (11.73 per set) and service aces (104). For FAMU, the matchup will be a battle of strength-on-strength, with the Rattlers' elite defense aiming to disrupt A&M's rhythm.

Despite the challenges ahead, Florida A&M sees the weekend as a chance to prove its defensive identity can stand tall against two of the conference's most dynamic attacks.