Hawks earn four-set road win over Delaware State


DOVER, Delaware - In a Friday night MEAC battle, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks grabbed a conference road win in four sets over Delaware State.


With the victory, UMES improves to 11-8 overall and 4-3 in the MEAC. DSU drops to 11-10 on the year and 4-3 in the conference. The win also snapped the Hawks' four-match losing streak to DSU, who entered the 2023 season as the defending MEAC champions.


UMES won the first set (25-23), third set (26-24) and fourth set (25-19). DSU's lone win came in the second set by a score of 25-21.


UMES was efficient offensively with a total of 51 kills compared to 11 errors and a .308 hitting percentage, which marks the highest percentage for the Hawks in conference play this season.


Derionah Abner led the Hawks offensively with 11 kills. Valeria Matias led all players with 21 digs. Nkemjika Ikemefuna recorded four blocks and Romina Vacca had 21 assists.


Ella Sanders led the Hornet attack with a match-high 15 kills.


UMES will have a full week off before traveling to Morgan State next Friday.