Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lady Hawks defeated  Hampton 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-17) on the heels of an outstanding performance from reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year,  Whitney Johnson, who combined for a match-high 15 kills and .700 hitting percentage.

 

"I thought Johnson played exceptionally well and carried us tonight," said Head Coach Don Metil.

"Thankfully she was on our side because they just didn't have an answer for her."

 

UMES came out of the gates slow, allowing the Lady Pirates to pull ahead 6-5 on a service ace by Aaryn

Harrison.  However, the Lady Hawks rallied to put up four consecutive points, three of those on the strong serve of Adora Luster, to claim the lead for good and take set one 25-14.

 

The second stanza featured nine ties and a pair of lead changes, but after HU jumped out to their biggest lead of the set at 12-10, UMES was able to convert on four straight points that concluded with a Christine Edwards kill.  Edwards had seven kills, six digs, and one service ace on the evening.  The Lady Hawks went on to take the set 25-16.

 

The Lady Hawks fell behind in set three, 10-7, and battled back and forth until a Caylin Woodward kill ignited an 8-0 run to close the match.  Woodward finished with five kills and tied for a match-high 10 digs.

 

"We didn't play our best, but we were able to come away with the win, which is the most important thing," said Metil.  "Hampton was able to take advantage of some mistakes and that made it tough on us."

 

Christina Estebane' led UMES with 27 assists, while Chanita Wesley who saw action at the libero position had eight digs.

 

With the win UMES improved to 16-7 and 3-0 in the MEAC, while Hampton dropped to 3-22

overall and 1-2 in conference play.

 

"For us to meet all of our goals and expectations we need to get better each and every match," said Metil.

"I am disappointed in our effort, but hopefully we can learn from this match and improve as a team."

 

UMES will return to the friendly confines of the William P. Hytche Athletic Center this Sunday against

Coppin State at 3 p.m.