The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks secured a win from the D'Youville Saints at Hytche Center, 3-0, in their first-ever NEC matchup.

The Score

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 3 (11-5, 1-0 NEC)
D'Youville Saints - 0 (2-11, 0-1)

(25-21, 25-10, 25-13)

How It Happened

The Hawks came out sharp from the opening serve, immediately applying pressure behind an aggressive service game. Early aces and tough float serves forced D'Youville out of system, allowing the Hawks' front row to set up a disciplined block. After trading points through the first 10 rallies, UMES used a 4-0 run fueled by consecutive kills from the outside and a solo block in the middle to create separation. The Saints fought back too late in the set, but steady side-out efficiency and smart shot selection helped the Hawks close it out, 25-21.

In the second set, UMES had a straight run of 7-0. Kills from Tristan Rowley and Andre Mills, as well as an ace from Kenyon Haynes led the team. The Hawks tightened their defensive coverage, extending rallies and turning digs into transition opportunities. The Hawks maintained composure down the stretch, limiting service errors and capitalizing on overpasses to secure the 25-10 win.

The Hawks got off to a slow start in the third set, until the score was tied 8-8. UMES took the momentum by getting attack errors from the Saints and kills, setting the frame with a steady lead to get 22-12. Kills from Rowley and Nikilas Blumenstock had the game on lock to close it out, securing the 25-13 win in the final set.

 The Numbers

• The Hawks levied a double-digit lead in kills against D'Youville University with 36 to the Saints' 21.
• Tristan Rowley hit double digits in kills with 12, while Joshua Hightower had seven and Andre Mills had six.
• Kenyon Haynes reached 31 assists for the Hawks in the afternoon match. Haynes also recorded five digs through the effort.
• UMES libero Jordan Brockman totaled six digs for the game.
• On the defensive end, the Hawks totaled nineteen block assists to the Saints' two.

Up Next
 
The Hawks are back at Hytche Arena at 6 p.m on Friday, February 27, against D'Youville University to complete their two-game series. The game will be streamed on Delmarva Sports Network, and live stats will be available on UMEShawksports.com

Follow Along

Keep up with the latest from UMES men's volleyball on UMESHawkSports.com and by following along on X (@UMESHawksMVB) and Instagram (@umeshawksmvb).