Hawks take down Norfolk State in three sets
 

NORFOLK, Virginia – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team played spoiler to the Friday homecoming festivities at Norfolk State with a three set victory.


The Hawks won with scores of 25-22, 25-20 and 25-18 to improve to 13-9 overall and 6-4 in conference play. NSU drops to 7-9 on the year and are now 6-3 in the MEAC.
 

For Hawk head coach Vanessa Faircloth, a graduate and former player at Norfolk State, Friday's road win held special meaning.
 

"Tonight was a huge win for us as we battle in the conference standings," says Faircloth. "Playing against my alma mater in front of a crowd with so many familiar faces and friends in the stands was a moment that I will always remember. I am so proud of my team for focusing on the game and getting a victory against a quality opponent in our conference."
 

The Hawks quitted the crowd early on by jumping out to a 7-1 lead. While the Spartans fought back to even up the score at 17-17, the Hawks answered with the help of back-to-back kills from Ranyla Griggs and a service ace from Isil Yilmaz to eventually take the set, 25-22.
 

The Hawks never trailed in the second set and built up a 23-16 lead before cruising to a 25-20 win.
 

After trading points early in the third set, the Hawks scored eight of nine points to grab control, 17-11. UMES would extend the lead to as many as eight points. A kill by Nkemjika Ikemefuna and a service ace by Anjola Omolewa gave the Hawks the set, 25-18, and the match.
 

The UMES offense accumulated 39 kills and 11 errors on 78 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .359. NSU combined for a .177 hitting percentage on 34 kills, 17 errors and 96 attacks.


Griggs led a balanced Hawk offense with 12 kills while Derionah Abner recorded 10 kills along with four blocks. Ikemefuna finished with nine kills. Romina Vacca, who executed the rare kick save and kill midway through the match, recorded 17 assists while Anisa Dorlouis had 12 assists. Omolewa had five blocks.


UMES returns home to host Howard on Sunday at 1 pm.
 

Sunday is a Pink Out themed match as UMES supports the fight against Breast Cancer. The first 100 fans in attendance will be given pink towels upon entry.