Oct. 4, 2003

Box Score

Princess Anne, MD - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore proved dominant as the host team for the Gardner Sign Hawk Challenge today, capturing two more wins and going 4-0 for the tournament. They defeated their final opponent the University of Maine with scores of 30-27, 30-24, 30-26.

UMES opened the day against Alabama State University, defeating them three games to one by scores of 30-21, 28-30, 30-20, and 30-15. Dzile notched 51 assists while Milin had 21 kills. The wins bring UMES to a season record of 14-8, "It was all about the team," said Head Coach Toby Rens. "It was such a joy to coach them. Going 4-0 in your own tournament is quite a feat and beating a tough team like Maine is a tremendous feeling. I am so proud of the whole team."

Sande Dzile had a huge day. She not only was named Most Valuable Player by coach's voting, but she recorded 87 assists on the day. Jana Milin had 40 kills total for the day along with 18 digs. Her teammates also did not disappoint. Aja Smith had19 kills and Chrissy Jacobs notched 20 kills.

Maine went 3-1 in the tournament with their only loss to UMES. They defeated all their other opponents in three straight games. This brings their record to 9-12 on the season. They were led by Leah Guidinger with 27 kills and Alaina Kleparek with 22 kills and six digs.

Alabama A&M finished third and was paced by Cambresha Bodney (All-Tournament First Team) who notched 26 kills on the day, Shameka Shankiln with 24 kills and Janita Nance with 22 kills. This brings their record to 7-15.

Coppin State's Stacy Celestin had 34 kills and made the All-Tournament Second team. Their record becomes 2-16. Keysha Tiller from Delaware State (2-12) also made the All-Tournament Second Team and had 16 kills on the day.

"All in all it was a great tournament," said Coach Rens. "The teams were very complimentary about the organization and smooth operation of the tournament."

UMES will take to the road on Monday to battle Delaware Sate in Dover, DE. Their next home match is Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Tawes Gymnasium.

All-Tournament First Team: Jana Milin (University of Maryland Eastern Shore) Aja Smith (University of Maryland Eastern Shore) Mamie Lewis (University of Maryland Eastern Shore) Brittany Howe (University of Maine) Alaina Kleparek (University of Maine) Cambrsha Bodney (Alabama State University)

All Tournament Second Team: Kaili Jordon (University of Maine) Leah Guidinger (University of Maine) Yevette Parker (Alabama State University) Satcy Celestin (Coppin State College) Keisha Tiller (Delaware State Hornets)

MVP Of Tournament: Sanda Dzile

Final Standings:

University of Maryland Eastern Shore 4-0 University of Maine 3-1 Alabama State University 2-2 Coppin State College 1-3 Delaware State University 0-4