PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — For the sixth time since 2007, and for the third consecutive season, the Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team has been recognized by the NCAA as the statistical champion in aces per set.
By disallowing opponents to return their serves, the Hawks guaranteed 268 points this past season—an average of two per set and more than seven per match.
Nearly every athlete on the team played a part in earning the achievement, from sophomore Iva Vujosevic contributing a team high 59 aces, to freshman Sola Okesanjo securing an ace in a victory against UMass Lowell. Individually, Vujosevic ranked 13th in the country with 0.46 aces per set, with junior Lucia Babic ranking 19th and sophomore Ivana Blazevic ranking 20th.
The trio combined for 161 aces, more than half the team’s total.
The Shore recorded an ace in every single match, culminating with a season high of 15 against UNC Asheville. 86 aces came in conference matches, where the Hawks went 12-0 on their way to a MEAC Northern Division Championship.
The Hawks also won this statistical award in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2016.