Sept. 3, 2009

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team (2-2) continues its season-opening four tournament road trip with the at the GWU Runnin' Bulldog Classic, hosted by Gardner-Webb this weekend.

The Hawks will face the host Bulldogs Friday at 3 p.m. and will follow that up with a 5 p.m. match with the Wofford Terriers. On Saturday, UMES plays the same two teams at 10 a.m. and noon, respectively.

The Hawks opened the season with a straight-set victory over MEAC opponent North Carolina A&T in the Tribe Invitational at William and Mary before dropping two consecutive matches to W&M (3-1) and Ohio State (3-0), before closing out the weekend on a high note with a sweep of Rider.

Freshman setter Bella Jade Romero (Arlington, Texas) began her collegiate in style, collecting double-doubles against the Tribe and Broncs, She had 44 assists and 10 digs versus William and Mary and 25 assists and 13 digs against Rider on her way to being named MEAC Rookie of the Week.

Sophomore outside hitter Christine Edwards (Lakewood, Calif.) was also named to the Tribe Invitational All-Tournament Team and UMES Athlete of the Week after a double-double of 22 kills and 12 digs against the hosts.

Gardner-Webb started the year 0-3 at the Illinois State Redbird Classic last weekend with losses 3-0 losses to Illinois State, Oral Roberts and Texas-Arlington. The Bulldogs are in their second season in the Southern Conference. They finished 2008 at 5-27 and 3-13 in conference.

Sophomore middle blocker Laura Wilcox was named 2008 Big South Rookie of the Year and second team all-conference.

The Runnin' Bulldog Classic will be Wofford's first outing of the season. The Terriers were 16-18 overall in 2008 and have been picked to finish fifth in the Southern Division of Southern Conference this season.