Washington, D.C., September 4, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling season opener, Howard University defeated George Washington University in women’s volleyball at Burr Gymnasium. The match was tightly contested, culminating in a decisive fifth set where Howard secured a 3-2 victory. Both teams displayed remarkable skill, with George Washington taking an early lead before Howard rallied. Taylor Treahy shone for GW with 22 kills, while Howard’s tenacity proved pivotal in clinching the win. This match sets the stage for an exciting season as both teams strive for success.
Washington, D.C. – Howard University Edges Out George Washington University in Women’s Volleyball Season Opener
On August 29, 2025, Howard University emerged victorious against George Washington University in a thrilling women’s volleyball season opener held at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C. The match concluded with Howard winning in the decisive fifth set, clinching the match 3-2 after a closely contested battle.
George Washington began the match with a strong performance, taking the first set 25-23. However, Howard quickly shifted momentum, dominating the following two sets 25-19 and 25-20, exhibiting competitive play marked by six lead changes and ten tied scores in the third set. The match showcased the skill and tenacity of both teams, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
In the fourth set, George Washington fought back impressively, rallying to win by five points, thus forcing a fifth and final set. Ultimately, the deciding set was marked by three lead changes, with Howard securing the win 15-13, concluding a mesmerizing showdown between the two teams.
Player Highlights
George Washington’s standout player was Taylor Treahy, a 2024 All-Rookie selection, who led the team with an impressive tally of 22 kills and seven blocks. Additionally, Sydney Hasenfratz, a graduate transfer, made an immediate impact by contributing 11 kills and four blocks in her debut match for GW. Senior setter Dilara Elmacıoğlu was instrumental in orchestrating the team’s offense, recording a remarkable 42 assists. The match also saw the debuts of sophomore transfers Alexis Rodriguez and Lydia Zeng, both of whom started for George Washington.
Match Statistics
Despite the loss, George Washington outperformed Howard in terms of total kills, achieving 57 against Howard’s 54. The match statistics reflect the intense competition between both teams, underscoring the closely matched performance throughout the event.
Upcoming Match
George Washington’s next challenge awaits as they are scheduled to face the Virginia Cavaliers on August 30, 2025, at 3 p.m. The match will take place at the Smith Center, and attendance is free for all fans. Fans can also catch the action live on ESPN+.
Background Context
The season opener against Howard serves as a critical first step for George Washington’s women’s volleyball team, who are looking to build on their previous successes and strengthen their competitive presence. The close match against Howard illustrates the ongoing development and potential of the George Washington team, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the GW vs. Howard volleyball match?
Howard University defeated George Washington University 3-2, with the final set score being 15-13.
Who were the standout players for George Washington?
Taylor Treahy led with 22 kills and seven blocks, while Sydney Hasenfratz contributed 11 kills and four blocks. Dilara Elmacıoğlu had 42 assists.
When is George Washington’s next match?
George Washington is set to play against the Virginia Cavaliers on August 30, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Smith Center.
Chart of Key Match Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match Date | August 29, 2025 |
| Location | Burr Gymnasium, Washington, D.C. |
| Final Score | Howard 3, GW 2 |
| GW Player Highlights | Taylor Treahy – 22 Kills, 7 Blocks |
| Upcoming Match | vs. Virginia Cavaliers |
| Next Match Date | August 30, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- George Washington Sports: GW Volleyball Drops to Howard
- George Washington Sports: GW Volleyball Drops to Virginia
- Georgetown Athletics: Hoyas Compete in Tournament
- George Washington Sports: GW Volleyball Welcomes Teams
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
