PRINCESS ANNE, Md. -The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the 2011 MEAC volleyball champion, will face No. 9 UCLA in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on December 2nd in Los Angeles.  The 64-team bracket was released this evening on ESPNU.

UMES is playing in their first ever NCAA Tournament in the 28-year history of the volleyball program.  The Hawks are currently on a 19-match winning streak, finishing the regular season at 24-6 after winning the MEAC championship tournament last week.  UMES also holds a perfect road record at 10-0.

Three Hawks, Zoe Bowens, Saitaua Iosia and Victoria Williams will all return to their home state for this match. Both Bowens and Iosia played under Joy McKenzie-Fuerbringer, a current UCLA assistant coach, while with Mizuno Long Beach.

UMES' opponent UCLA will serve as a campus site for the first two rounds. The Lady Bruins are 24-6 on the season, finishing second in the Pac-12 to behind USC.  UCLA is led by junior outside hitter Rachael Kidder, who has 464 kills, 209 digs and 72 total blocks.

The winner of this match will go to the second round to face the winner of Long Beach State and San Diego in Los Angeles.

For the complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com