Oct. 25, 2010

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Freshman Maline Vaitai (Salt Lake City, Utah) was named MEAC Rookie of the Week for the third time this season, the league announced Monday.

Vaitai helped the women's volleyball team to victories over Howard and Morgan State last week to extend its winning streak to 11 matches and 36 straight in the MEAC over the last three-and-a-half seasons.

Vaitai totaled 32 kills, hitting .308 with eight digs, seven aces and three blocks for the week in collecting the team's eighth weekly honor from the conference this season.

The 6-footoutside hitter had six aces against Howard and 21 kills at Morgan State, both career highs. Vaitai averaged 5.33 kills and 1.17 aces per game.

Redshirt senior Samantha Chukwura (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was also recognized by the conference for her play last week. She had 19 kills and three blocks while hitting .469 in the two matches.

UMES (17-9, 6-0 MEAC) is back in action next Friday at Delaware State at 7 p.m.