PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — With four aces per set and 43 kills, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore battled through a tough challenge by Delaware State in win in four sets (25-13, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17) on Sunday (Oct. 28) inside the William P. Hytche Center.

"Our serves were excellent and that helped us get back on track." Hawks coach Trevor Callarman said. "Today was a great start to the second half of MEAC play and set up the foundation for the rest of the season."

With 16 aces for the match were the most for the Hawks since October 12, 2012, when they achieved that number against Hampton. Leading the way was junior setter Ivana Blazevic (Zagreb, Croatia) who had six, including three consecutive aces in set one. Blazevic added 29 assists and five digs.

Senior Lucia Babic (Sisak, Croatia) added four aces of her own, but more recognizable was her double-double of 13 kills and 11 digs. Fellow senior Rachel Kayongo (Northridge, California) missed a double-double by one dig - a 10 kill, nine dig effort.

Other top performers included five kills and five blocks from freshman Alexis Lee (Wilmington, Delaware) and four blocks from freshman Mauri Carver (Elizabeth City, North Carolina).

After two sets it appeared the Hawks were destined to sweep the Hornets for a second straight match, thanks to six aces in set one and a .526 attack percentage in set two. However the Hornets stung the Hawks in set three, using 13 kills to pull away and earn the set.

The Hawks denied the Hornets a winner-take-all fifth set with a 9-3 run to steal the momentum away.

Maryland Eastern Shore will travel to Norfolk State and Howard next weekend.