Summary
The Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (8-9, 3-3 MEAC) secured their first conference straight-set victory of the season against the North Carolina Central Eagles (7-12, 3-3), evening their conference record.

The Score
North Carolina Central Eagles - 0

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 3
(25-21, 25-13, 25-21)

How It Happened
In the Hawks' straight-set victory over the Eagles, UMES out-blocked NCCU 12-4, with freshman Lilliana Montes leading the way with nine blocks. Ranyla Griggs and Nkemjika Ikemefuna were strong offensively, contributing 13 and nine kills, respectively. Sophomore Anisa Dorlouis played a key role, recording 19 assists and 16 digs. UMES went on a 5-0 run in the second set, pulling away from the Eagles. This run was highlighted by an ace and a kill from Ikemefuna, along with key blocks from Montes. The Hawks achieved their highest sideout percentage of the match in the second set at 76%, hitting .344 overall. In the final set, the Maroon and Grey closed out the match with the Dorlouis and Griggs connection, finishing with their highest attack percentage of .351 and tallying 18 kills.

The Numbers

• This marked UMES's first straight-set conference win of the season.
• Griggs and Ikemefuna were celebrated before the match for each reaching 500 career kills.
• Montes achieved a season-high nine blocks.
• Dorlouis recorded 19 assists and has maintained double-digit assists in all 17 matches this season. This was her third consecutive match leading the team in digs with 16.
• Rayah Howell also reached a season-high seven kills.
• At home, this is UMES's first straight-set win against the Eagles since 2022.

Up Next
UMES will continue its homestand at 6 p.m. Friday against Delaware State (8-11, 4-2) at the Hytche Athletic Center. The match will be streamed live on the Delmarva Sports Network.

FOLLOW ALONG
Keep up with the latest from UMES volleyball on UMESHawkSports.com and by following along on Twitter (@UMESHawkVball) and Instagram (@umeshawksvball).