SUMMARY

The Delaware State Hornets (9-11 (5-2)) outpaced the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (8-10 (3-4)) in straight sets, defeating the Hawks at Hytche Arena for the fourth year in a row.

THE SCORE

Delaware State Hornets - 3

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 0

(14-25, 18-25, 23-25)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets won the opening set at the service line. Delaware State not only generated five aces in the opening set but also forced UMES out of system. As a result, the Hornets had ample opportunity to capitalize on free balls over the net, amassing 15 kills in the opening frame. Of the Hawks' six first-set kills, both Ranyla Griggs and Anjola Omolewa generated three kills apiece.

The Maroon and Grey hit rock bottom defensively in the second set, yielding eight service aces to their MEAC foes. Despite the setbacks, UMES improved their offense from the first set to the second set in attacks, raising their attack percentage from .040 to .222. 

The final set was the most competitive of the three. The Hawks sided out over 60% of the third set, limiting Delaware State's opportunity for scoring runs. In addition, after yielding 13 aces across the first two frames, the Maroon and Grey gave up only a pair of service aces. The improved passing enabled the Hawks to record 11 kills in the third set. With UMES trailing 24-20, the Hawks went on a late 3-0 rally, highlighted by a powerful Griggs kill off of a Hornet's overpass. Unfortunately for UMES, after a timeout, Delaware State scored the game-winning point to finish off the road victory, 25-23.

THE NUMBERS

• UMES struggled to go on scoring runs as Delaware State sided out over 60% of the time in all three sets.

• Ranyla Griggs finished with a team-high 11 kills. This is her seventh double-digit kill match in her last nine games.

• UMES finished with a .762 reception perception and yielded a season-high 15 reception errors. In contrast, Delaware State finished the match with a .943 reception percentage.

• Jaelyn Stewart made her first collegiate appearance at libero in this match, recording a dig and two receptions.

UP NEXT

With this loss, the Hawks fall to 8-10 (3-4) in the 2024 season. At the midway point of conference play, the Hawks stand at just below .500 going into their bye week. The Maroon and Grey are back in action on Friday, Oct. 25 against Morgan State. For the first time this season, the Hawks will face a MEAC opponent for the second time this year. The match will stream live on the Delmarva Sports Network at 6 pm. 

FOLLOW ALONG

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