Hawks earn tenth victory of year with win over South Carolina State

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks eclipsed their win total of last season with a four set victory over South Carolina State on Sunday afternoon.


"We came out and we fought throughout the match," head coach Vanessa Faricloth said. "SCSU kept us on our toes today but we were able to step up with some big points at the right time. I thought Valeria Matias gave us great energy and came up with key plays to help us win. Ranyla Griggs, Nkemjika Ikemefuna and Derionah Abner were excellent offensively to help us take care of business on our home floor."


With the victory, UMES is now 10-8 overall and 3-3 in MEAC play. SCSU drops to 1-19 on the year and 0-6 in the conference.


UMES used a balanced offensive attack throughout the match led by the trio of Ikemefuna, Griggs and Abner. 


Ikemefuna, Griggs and Abner totaled three kills each in the first set as UMES edged SCSU, 25-20. The Bulldogs responded with the first five points in the second set before the Hawks battled back to even up the set at 10-10. The teams traded points all the way to a 24-24 tie before a kill by setter Romina Vacca and another by Abner gave the set to the Hawks.


In a third set that included 10 ties and five lead changes, the Hawks appeared to be in control, 23-22, but a service error combined with kills by Kiyah Felder and Hailey Harris sent the match to a fourth frame.


With the score tied at 13 in the fourth set, Griggs emerged with five kills down the stretch as UMES ended the match with a 12-2 scoring run.


UMES combined to finish with 57 kills and a .242 hitting percentage - both MEAC four-set match season highs. 


Ikemefuna led all players with a new collegiate best 16 kills in the match. Griggs and Abner each had 14 kills. Matias recorded her fifth match of 20 or more digs with 23. Vacca led all players with 25 assists.


The Hawks continue conference play on the road on Friday at Delaware State.