WASHINGTON, D.C. — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore fell to both the Loyola University Maryland Greyhounds and the Georgetown University Hoyas on Friday (September 10) in day one of the Dig the District Tournament in Washington, D.C.
In the first set with the Greyhounds, the Hawks fell behind 5-0 early but responded and after a kill from senior Alexis Lee, the score was tied at 8. Loyola seized control after that and went on to win 25-16. Loyola continued their strong play into the second set as they took that frame 25-14.
In the third set, Loyola jumped out to a 9-2 advantage. Eastern Shore began to get back in the frame and after solo block from junior Derionah Abner, the lead was down to five at 14-9. The Greyhounds came back with a five point run of their own to stabilize their lead and were able to complete the sweep after winning the frame 25-14.
Abner had her best match in a Hawks uniform against Loyola as she finished with 11 kills, three digs, one block and an ace.
In their evening matchup with Georgetown, Eastern Shore was at a height disadvantage against the Hoyas. Nevertheless, The Shore got out to a 5-2 advantage following a kill from senior Marina Cruz. The Hoyas scored the next five points and forced a timeout from the Hawks. Georgetown continued their strong play for the remainder of the frame and took the first set 25-14.
Maryland Eastern Shore fell behind late in the second set 18-10. The team began to rally and pulled within four at 23-19 following a GU error. The two squads would alternate points after that and the Hoyas took the frame 25-20. In the final set, the Hawks struggled at the beginning of the set and were down 15-5. Maryland Eastern Shore found their balance and cut into the lead getting as close as four at 19-15. However, Georgetown stood firm and took the final set 25-17.
Junior Sydney Morris had a career-high four blocks in the match. Abner led the Hawks in kills again with six.
The Shore will play their final match of the Dig the District Tournament tomorrow (September 11) at George Washington. First serve will be at 2 p.m. and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+.
