Nov. 21, 2010

BALTIMORE, Md. - University of Maryland Eastern Shore freshman outside hitter Maline Vaitai (Salt Lake City, Utah) was named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship All-Tournament Team, the league announced Sunday.

Vaiati, the conference's Rookie of the Year and an All-MEAC First Team selection, recorded 31 kills, 16 digs, five blocks and two service aces in UMES' two tournament matches at Coppin State's Physical Education Complex.

The Hawks bowed out of the tournament in the semifinals with a 3-1 loss to eventual-champion South Carolina State Saturday. It marked the first time since 2006 UMES did not advance to the championship match.

Vaitai had her best performance against SCSU in the semifinals. She collected her fifth double-double of the season with 18 kills and 10 digs. The 6-footer hit .128 (31 kills, 19 errors, 94 total attacks) on the weekend.

The freshman also tied a season-high with five block assists in a four-set victory over Bethune-Cookman in the quarterfinals Friday.

South Carolina State topped Delaware State in the championship match, 3-1, to earn the MEAC's automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Volleyball Tournament. The Bulldogs won the championship for the first time since 1990.

UMES (20-12) earned 20 wins for the fourth consecutive season under head coach Don Metil and will lose just one senior for the 2011 season.

2010 MEAC Volleyball All-Tournament Honors

Outstanding Performer: Jarne Gleaton, South Carolina State

Outstanding Coach: Millicent Sylvan, South Carolina State

2010 MEAC All- Tournament Team

Jarne Gleaton, South Carolina State

Shabree Roberson, South Carolina State

Maline Vaitai, Maryland Eastern Shore

Katherine Huanec, Florida A&M

Martina Ferrari, Delaware State

Sarah Wheatcroft, Delaware State