SUMMARY

The Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks were overpowered, 3-0, by the UNC Asheville Bulldogs at Hytche Arena in their second match of the Henson Hawk Invitational.

THE SCORE

UNC Asheville - 3

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 0

(23-25, 18-25, 17-25)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Although the Bulldogs ultimately won the opening set, 25-23, UMES came out red-hot in front of the home crowd. The Hawks began the match on a 17-10 run. Libero Valeria Matias had an excellent opening set with nine digs. That defense translated to muliple setting opportunities for Anisa Dorlouis, posting six assists in the opening set. Nkemjika Ikemefuna was the most effective hitter for UMES in the opening frame, generating three kills. Unfortunately for the Maroon and Grey, UNC Asheville rallied to win the set on a 15-6 run. 

The Bulldogs stayed one step ahead of the Hawks in the second set, only giving up the lead once in the entire set. While the Hawks struggled to attack with consistency, UNC Asheville improved their attack percentage from .067 to .258. The Bulldogs also frustrated the Hawk offense through sound defense, amassing seven players with two or more digs by the end of the second set. UNC Asheville went on to win set two, 25-18.

In the last set, the Hawks fell victim to not being able to sideout. The bulldogs took advantage of certain UMES rotations to generate aces and force the Hawks out of system continuously. By the end of the set, UNC Asheville defeated UMES 25-17 to both take the match and to win the Henson Hawk Invitational.

THE NUMBERS

The Hawks were outhit by the Bulldogs 39-25. UNC Asheville hit at a .215 clip while UMES mustered a .076 attack percentage.

13 different Hawks made an appearance in the game, including five freshman. 

In the third set, UMES only was able to sideout 48% of the time while UNC Asheville sided out 70% of the time.

UP NEXT

With this loss, the Hawks fall to a 3-4 record on the season. The Maroon and Grey will aim to finish the Henson Hawk Invitational strong in the second leg of their doubleheader at 6:00 p.m. against Hampton. The game will stream 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).