Delaware State got back on the winning track with a pair of victories today at the North Carolina Central Invitational, defeating both North Carolina A&T (25-13, 25-22, 25-20) and Winston-Salem State (25-16, 25-16, 25-15) in straight sets on Friday at the Walker Complex on the campus of North Carolina Central.
In the first match against the Lady Aggies, (0-14), the Lady Hornets made a change to their normal starting lineup, moving Martina Ferrari from libero to setter, and the move paid dividends. Ferrari notched 30 assists and ran a balanced, efficient offense against North Carolina A&T. Four players picked up seven or more kills in the match, led by Cassandra Joyner. The senior middle hitter added to here Lady Hornet career record with 12 kills on 29 attacks, and pitched in nine digs and two blocks. DSU (8-9) was also strong defensively, outdigging North Carolina A&T 43 to 26, and recording six blocks to just four for the Lady Aggies.
"Mia did a great job as our setter today," said head coach Renee Arnold. "She brought a different energy to the court, and the leadership that she has on the court is a huge difference for us. Sarah (Wheatcroft) did an excellent job embracing a new role today as well on the rightside in the second match as well."
Match number two saw more of the same against Winston-Salem State (1-17). Ferrari's 36 assists and seven digs were a catalyst, but Wheatcroft was very impressive a slide step over from her previous post. Her eight kills on nine attacks with a lone error gave her a .778 hitting percentage, which is a career high for the junior from Oro Station, Canada. Elisa Hermann led all red and blue players with 11 kills. Ashley Herman picked up three more aces to add to her impressive total. Herman entered this week as 12th in the NCAA, as well as 1st in the MEAC in aces per set with 0.59 per frame. The Hornets outdug the Lady Rams 40-19 for the match, picking up nine aces to just one for the WSSU.