SUMMARY
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team concluded its Georgia slate with a 3-1 loss to Clemson on Friday afternoon in its final match of the GATA Challenge at Hanner Fieldhouse, hosted by Georgia Southern.
UMES began competing on Wednesday, Sept. 4, facing Mercer in a separate match and then competed against Georgia Southern and Clemson in the GATA Challenge on Thursday and Friday.

THE SCORE
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks – 1
Clemson – 3
(16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 20-25)

HOW IT HAPPENED
In their final match of the GATA Challenge, senior Anjola Omolewa gave the Hawks an early lead with a powerful spike, assisted by junior Tola Maczka. Sophomore Anisa Dorlouis contributed offensively with 5.5 total points, including a key shuffle attack that narrowed Clemson's lead to 12-7. Senior Ranyla Griggs added to the Hawks' push with a precise attack that split the Tigers' defense. Despite their efforts, UMES struggled to overcome Clemson's advantage.

In the second set, UMES started strong, with kills from Griggs and freshman Rayah Howell giving the Hawks a 2-0 lead. They extended their lead to 6-3 with a service ace from senior Isil Yilmaz, prompting Clemson to call a timeout at 9-4. Although Clemson mounted a late push, UMES secured the second set, thanks in part to a .480 attack percentage.

However, Clemson regained control in sets three and four. UMES recorded 10 kills in the third set and 13 in the fourth. Junior, Nkemjika Ikemefuna led the Hawks with six kills in the fourth set, while Dorlouis recorded six assists. In the fourth set, UMES posted a .382 kill percentage and 11 assists.

THE NUMBERS

• Ikemefuna led the Hawks with 15 kills, a season high, and contributed 16 total points.
• Dorlouis and Maczka each recorded 13 assists.
• Omolewa, who played all four sets, added eight kills.
• Yilmaz finished the match with 17 digs.

QUOTES
On the Second Set Against Clemson:
"We've said each set that we've got a lot of fight in us, and if we maintain the right energy, we can be successful. We were able to come out, start on a run, and maintain that energy throughout the set, which allowed us to be successful. We controlled the things we could control: serving well and passing well, and usually, that gets us the results we want."
On the Week's Competition:
"Our schedule was made intentionally. We wanted this weekend to be challenging so that future games would seem a bit easier. By facing higher talent levels, we were able to speed up the pace of our game, learn to fight through tough times, and maintain what we need to on our side of the net."
On Newcomers Tola Maczka and Jocelyn Torres Making an Impact:
"Those two stepped up when we needed them. Tola, in particular, had some great moments on the court yesterday and today, delivering good balls, playing defense, and bringing unmatched energy. Her positivity is incredible. They've done exactly what we've asked of them, and we just want to make sure that continues. We always say it's 'next person up.' You never know when your number will be called, and they stepped up when theirs was."
On Hosting the Hawk Invitational:
"I'm super excited. Starting this summer, we were asked when our first home game was going to be. The campus always supports us like no other, so we can't wait to come home and show them what we look like this year. We want to feel the energy from our Hawk family, make some statements, and create excitement. I tell the girls, we want to make exclamation points—bring a lot of energy and excitement to the campus community, and take care of business while we're at home."

UP NEXT
UMES (2-3) will get a short break before hosting the Hawk Invitational on Sept. 14. The Hawks' home opener will be at 6 p.m. against Iona University.

For the latest updates on UMES volleyball, visit UMESHawkSports.com and follow the team on Twitter (@UMESHawksVball) and Instagram (@umeshawksvball).