Friday: Florida A&M vs. Alabama State - 6 PM - SWAC TV
Sunday: Florida A&M vs. Alabama A&M – 12 PM - SWAC TV

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M volleyball returns home this weekend, ready to defend the Al Lawson Center and build momentum in conference play with two key matchups against Alabama State and Alabama A&M. The Rattlers enter the weekend as one of the SWAC's top defensive forces, continuing to show why they're among the league's most dangerous teams at the net.

Dominating the Net

FAMU continues to make its mark nationally in blocking, ranking 1st in the SWAC and 64th nationally with 2.42 blocks per set. The Rattlers' front line has been a wall all season, totaling 201 team blocks — the most in the conference.

Leading that charge is Farah Farooq, one of the premier middle blockers in the league. Farooq ranks 56th nationally and 1st in the SWAC in hitting percentage (.375) and sits 2nd in total blocks (90). Alongside Tamia Coleman (1.10 and 0.97 blocks per set, respectively), the duo has anchored FAMU's net defense and established a physical presence that frustrates opponents.

Defensive Consistency

While FAMU's offense is still finding rhythm, their defense has been elite. The Rattlers rank 2nd in the SWAC and 28th nationally in opponent hitting percentage (.171), showing their ability to slow down even the conference's top attackers. The combination of strong blocking and disciplined floor defense has kept FAMU competitive in every match.

FAMU also continues to improve in serve-receive and transition play, areas that will be key against Alabama A&M's fast-paced offense and Alabama State's blocking-heavy system.

Scouting Alabama State

Alabama State enters the weekend looking to climb the SWAC standings with a balanced but streaky offensive attack. The Hornets currently rank fourth in the conference in hitting percentage (.204) and second in kills per set (12.29), showing their ability to generate offense when in system. Setter play has been a key strength — Alabama State ranks third in the SWAC with 11.30 assists per set, providing steady ball distribution to their attackers.

Defensively, however, the Hornets have struggled to slow opponents, allowing a .233 opponent hitting percentage, which ranks eighth in the league. Their blocking numbers — 1.77 per set — place them fifth in the SWAC, while they average 12.74 digs per set, also sixth in the conference.

At the service line, Alabama State averages 1.36 aces per set, good for eighth in the SWAC, with Brooke Adams ranking among the team's leaders at 0.39 aces per set.

For Florida A&M, the matchup presents an opportunity to capitalize on its league-leading blocking defense (2.42 per set) and force Alabama State out of rhythm. If the Rattlers can control the net and disrupt the Hornets' offensive flow early, they'll have a strong edge in the battle of conference foes.

Scouting Alabama A&M

Alabama A&M enters the weekend as one of the top offensive teams in the SWAC, leading the conference in both assists per set (11.53) and kills per set (12.32). The Bulldogs have also been one of the league's most consistent programs this season, posting a .652 winning percentage, the best in the SWAC. Their balanced attack and efficiency at the net make them one of FAMU's toughest challenges of the conference slate.

From the service line, Alabama A&M is dangerous — ranking second nationally and first in the SWAC with 1.76 aces per set — with Briana Smith, Kelani Talakai, and Fatima Ramirez all ranking among the league's top five in service aces. Defensively, they're steady with 1.77 blocks per set (5th SWAC) and 13.23 digs per set (3rd SWAC), while holding opponents to a respectable .187 hitting percentage (3rd SWAC).

However, Florida A&M's front-line dominance — the Rattlers lead the SWAC with 2.42 blocks per set and a total of 201 team blocks — could be the key factor. If the Rattlers' defense can slow A&M's rhythm and limit their serve runs, FAMU will have a strong opportunity to control tempo and extend their home-court momentum.