Dover, Del. (Oct. 20, 2013) --- The Delaware State volleyball team led two-games-to-one and held a 20-16 lead in game four, but faltered down the stretch in a 3-2 loss to Maryland-Eastern Shore in a MEAC match in Memorial Hall this afternoon.

The Hawks rallied to win game four 25-21, then took the decisive fifth game 16-14 to claim the victory. Delaware State was a point away from winning the contest, leading 14-13 in game five; but UMES scored the last three points to take the set and match.

The Hawks took the opening game 25-23, but the Hornets won the next two games 25-19 and 25-16, respectively, to open up a 2-1 lead in the match.

Delaware State has lost its last two matches by 3-2 scores and is 0-3 in five-set contests this season.

Diara Lewis and Ashley Smith led UMES with 13 kills each. Jingqiao Li had a team-high 17 digs for the Hawks, while teammate Sonia Rosales led all players with 39 assists.

Delaware State's Jessica Croucher had a match-high 19 kills. She also added 12 digs. Edarkis Branch added 16 kills and Jasmine Jackson 14 for the Hornets. DSU's Sonya Inderbitzen topped all players with 18 digs.

UMES had a .190 hitting percentage in the match (52 kills/25 errors/142 attacks), while Delaware State posted a .164 hitting mark (54/30/146).

The Hornets held a 54-52 edge in digs; while the Hawks won the blocks battle 31-18.

Delaware State dropped its 12^th straight match to fall to 1-16 overall and 0-7 in the MEAC. UMES improved to 3-16 and 2-5.

The Hornets return to action with a home match against Bethune-Cookman on Monday (Oct. 21). The 7:00 p.m. contest is also DSU's annual "Dig Pink" match. Fans are asked to wear pink and bring a donation to help raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.