SUMMARY
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team fell to Georgia Southern, 0-3, Thursday evening in their first match of the GATA Challenge at Hanner Fieldhouse on the Georgia Southern campus.

THE SCORE
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks – 0
Georgia Southern – 3
(19-25, 15-25, 17-25)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Thursday's match was marked by a high-energy atmosphere. In the first set, the Maroon and Grey experienced four lead changes and were tied with the Eagles 10 times while recording 13 kills. UMES showed improved blocking and physicality in the second set, led by Anjola Omolewa with three blocks.

In the third set, the Hawks took a 3-1 lead with strong contributions from junior Nkemjika Ikemefuna, who disrupted the Eagles' defensive setups. UMES went on a 4-0 run to narrow the deficit to 16-17, but the Eagles extended their lead and secured a 25-17 win to close out the match.

THE NUMBERS

• Junior Tola Maczka made her first career start for the Hawks, recording 15 assists as a setter in her debut.
• Ikemefuna led the Hawks with nine kills while Ranyla Griggs followed with eight.
• Valeria Matias led the team with 12 digs.

UP NEXT
The Hawks (2-2) will face Clemson (2-1) on Friday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. in Hanner Fieldhouse. This will be UMES' final match in the GATA Challenge, hosted by Georgia Southern.

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