Hampton, Va. (November 14, 2008) ? The Hornets (16-10) out hit the Bulldogs (12-23) .224 to .170 to take the match 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-22).  With their sixth win in a row, DSU advanced to the second round of the MEAC Championship for the second straight season.

Delaware State came out of the gate proficient offensively as they tallied 13 kills and only one error (.324 attack percentage) in the first set to take the early 1-0 lead.  Junior Cassandra Joyner and sophomore Erica Tajchman recorded nine of those kills.

In the second set, South Carolina State started to find its grove offensively.  However, errors late would cost them the set.  Setter Martina Ferrari set the tone with 13 assists on 15 kills to help give the Hornets the commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

The Bulldogs would again show fight in the third set as they held a lead most of the way.  DSU would show some fight of their own as they would claw back to tie the game at 19.  Joyner then registered two of the last four points to finish off the set and the match.

Tajchman led the way offensively for the Hornets with 15 kills and a .263 attack percentage.  Joyner would chip in with 11 kills along with seven digs. 

Ferrari finished with 33 assists, her second 30+ assist performance of the season.  Ashley Herman (12 digs) and Elisa Herrmann (11 digs) led the defensive effort. 

Shabree Roberson tallied 10 kills and no errors to lead the offensive charge for SCSU.  Setter Bria Brimmer recorded 25 assists to lead the team passing.

The Hornets will now face the MEAC North Division Champion Maryland-Eastern Shore, tomorrow, November 15, in the semifinals of the MEAC Championship for the second straight season.  Game time is slated for noon and will take place at Holland Hall on the campus of Hampton University.