PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — With a .363 hitting percentage, 39 kills and 11 service aces the University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team swept Norfolk State (25-16, 25-21, 25-18) at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center Friday (Oct. 5).

Senior Lucia Babic (Sisak, Croatia) finished with a match high 18 kills, and narrowly missed a double-double with nine digs. Fellow Croatian and junior Ivana Blazevic (Zagreb, Croatia) finished with 31 assists and seven digs.

"Throughout the whole night we had good energy, good communication and good passing." Blazevic said.

More top performers for the Hawks included 12 digs from senior Koya Sowells (Missouri City, Texas) and a seven kill, six ace, five dig match from senior Rachel Kayongo (Northridge, California).

"I'm very proud of how our team showed up today." Kayongo said. "We all did our job and executed the game plan."

The Hawks (5-11, 2-0 MEAC) received a formidable challenge from Norfolk State (1-12, 0-3 MEAC). The Spartans hit .247 for the match and out dug the Hawks 42 to 39. Norfolk's Anna Rupertova tallied 13 kills and a .400 attack percentage. Taylor Eichelberger finished with 11 digs.

Maryland Eastern Shore stormed ahead in the first set by earning a .577 hitting percentage. With Babic leading the Hawks and Rupertova leading the Spartans, both teams battled to an 18-18 tie in set two. The Shore then won seven of the next 10 points for a 2-0 match lead.

In the third set the Hawks pulled away early, leading 16-9 and riding the momentum to a seven point victory to earn the sweep.

The Hawks will remain home for a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday (Oct. 7) with Howard. Fans are encouraged to wear black to Blackout the Hytche as the three-time defending conference champions come to Princess Anne.