Nov. 17, 2006
Box Score
Hampton, Va. - After being predicted to finish ninth in the pre-season Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball poll the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) knew they were better. Head Coach Alex Temkin challenged his young team to prove it, and they did just that. The Hawk's season ended today with a 3-0 loss (30-20, 30-18, 30-21) to top seeded Florida A & M University (FAMU) in the semi-final round of the MEAC Tournament.
UMES earned a tie for third place heading into the conference tournament and the fourth seed due to a tiebreaker. Not bad for a team predicted to not even make the tournament.
"We had a phenomenal season," said Temkin. "A five win season last year to a 19 win one this year. I am really pleased with this team and extremely proud of their effort, resilience and determination."
The Hawks won their opening round match today against #5 Delaware State 3-0 but fell to the top seeded Rattlers in the semifinal round. All-MEAC Second Team selection Holiday Eller led UMES with 11 kills. Senior Melanie Durimel and freshman Caylin Woodward had six kills each.
Woodward and senior Stephanie Braxton had six digs each. The Hawks out blocked the taller Rattlers six to four.
"We played a tough match," said Temkin. "We didn't play poorly, [FAMU] does a nice job of getting you out of your comfort zone. We start five sophomores a freshman and one senior, I believe every match this team plays that they are learning and every match they are improving on playing their game and executing."
The Rattlers were led by MEAC Player of the Year Maria Andonova with 21 kills while Florida State transfer Maritta Crockett had 14 kills. Zaira Manzo had 41 assists.
The match ends the career of three Lady Hawks. Melanie Durimel was a transfer who played for the Hawks for two seasons while twins Kim and Stephanie Braxton are both in their fourth year with the program.
"Those three young ladies have had a tremendous impact on our program, especially the Braxtons. The two young ladies may not have piled up numbers on the stat sheet, but they have provided leadership, depth and consistency to this program. [Durimel] came here and brought an international game to UMES, she understands the game of volleyball and that helped our young players develop," continued Temkin.
UMES finishes the season 19-15 while FAMU stands at 19-6 and plays tomorrow in the Championship game.
