PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team looks to hold their place at the upper level of the MEAC Northern Division this weekend. Two crucial matches stand in their way as the Hawks will battle Coppin State on Friday (Oct. 12) at 7 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 14) matinee with Morgan State.

Coppin State will offer live video and live audio for the match. Fans can follow updates for the Morgan State match on the Hawks' official Twitter page, @ESHawksVBall.

Matches will take place on both school's campuses. Coppin will host in the Physical Education Complex Arena and Morgan will host at the Hill Field House.

Maryland Eastern Shore holds a 36-13 series lead against the Eagles since 1996, but Morgan State holds a 25-20 advantage head-to-head. The Hawks do hold winning streaks of seven and five matches, respectively, but the Bears battled in a five set effort in Baltimore last season.

Both teams offer a unique challenge for The Shore. Coppin State has already improved on its win total from a season ago and are looking to improve on their 1-2 mark so far. The Eagles defeated Norfolk State before falling in four sets to Howard and in three to Morgan State. Freshman hitter Miajavon Coleman ranks top ten in three conference categories, including fifth in kills per set.

Morgan State is always a threat in the MEAC North, and 2018 has been no different. The Bears stand at 10-9 overall with a 2-1 mark in the conference, tying the Hawks for second in the division. Coach Ramona Riley-Bozier is at the helm for her 30th season, and came into the year ranked 47th among active coaches with 441 victories. Her squad leads the MEAC in hitting percentage and assists, thanks in large measure to Roi Wallace's 10.14 assists per set.  

The matches will round out the first half of the conference season for the Hawks. After this weekend The Shore have a two week hiatus before rematches against all five MEAC North opponents to finish out the regular schedule.