DURHAM, North Carolina – October 25, 2026 – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team fell to North Carolina Central in three sets (18-25, 14-25, 19-25) Sunday afternoon at McDougald-McLendon Arena.
The Hawks stayed close throughout the opening set, tying the frame seven times before NCCU created separation late to take the set, 25-18. The Eagles carried that momentum into the second, building an early advantage on the way to a 25-14 win.
Eastern Shore responded with its strongest push in the third. The Hawks erased an early deficit and used back-to-back service aces from Jayda Hutchins to take a 15-13 lead. The teams were tied again at 18 before NCCU closed the match on a 7-1 run to secure the final set, 25-19.
Hutchins led the Hawks with nine kills, 10 digs and two service aces. Kyra Bradford added four kills on a .231 hitting percentage, while Karielys Melendez finished with nine digs. Shayla Henry recorded three service aces as UMES finished with seven aces as a team.
The loss moved Eastern Shore to 2-18 overall and 1-8 in MEAC play.
Up Next
The Hawks return to the Hytche Center on Friday, October 30, hosting Norfolk State at 6 p.m. for Senior Night.
