DOVER, Delaware — After a lengthy break from game action, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team opens Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play on Friday (Sept. 28). The Hawks will head up Route 13 to battle rival Delaware State at 6 p.m. in Dover's Memorial Hall.

"Our team has worked hard over the past couple weeks." said Hawks coach Trevor Callarman. "We have prepared hard in practice and we are ready to take on the MEAC."

Maryland Eastern Shore battled through a tough tournament season, which included victories against St. Francis Brooklyn, South Carolina State and Hampton. The Hawks also can claim victory in The Henson's Hawk Invitational after winning their home tournament.

Delaware State also earned a victory against South Carolina State before MEAC play began. The Hornets also defeated North Carolina A&T on September 7th in Greensboro. Hornet coach Whitney Johnson - a former Hawk who is second the all-time kill list - is in her fourth season at the helm in Dover.

Overall the Hawks hold a 40-14 advantage in the all-time series.

Friday's affair kicks off a list of 10 conference matches in the MEAC season. These matches will take place on various Fridays and Sundays between September 28th until November 11th.

Fans can follow the match via the Hawks' Twitter account, @ESHawksVBall.