Towson, Md. (Aug. 29, 2015) --- Delaware State got off to its best start so far this season, but came up short in a hard-fought 3-2 volleyball loss to Manhattan in the Towson Invitational at SECU Arena this afternoon.  The Hornets (0-3) won the first set 25-22, but dropped the next two by identical 25-16 scores to fall behind 2-1 in the match. DSU stayed alive with a 25-23 win in the fourth set to force a deciding game. The Jaspers won the contest with a 15-6 victory in the final set.

Senior Jasmine Jackson continued her strong early season play with 14 kills and 18 digs, each a team high.

Jae Jackson was second on the team with 11 kills and tied with teammate Jenessa Helu for match-high honors with six blocks (one solo). Helu had two block solos and four block assists in the contest. DSU had 18 blocks in the match.

Alliyah McBean had 17 kills and freshman setter Marisol Arredondo dished out 35 assists for the Hornets.

Manhattan's Claire Van Dyk led all players with 20 kills. Milena Janjusevic (14), Marissa Behrens (12) and Ivana Kostic (10) also reached double figures in kills for the Jaspers.

Allie Yamashiro had a game-high 21 digs, while teammate Jade Gray had 50 assists for Manhattan.

In the opening set, Delaware State trailed 8-3 before fighting back with a 6-1 run. The Hornets tied the set at 9-9 on a kill by Jasmine Jackson off a feed from Jae Jackson.

The score was tied 10, 11 and 12 before DSU began to pull away. The Hornets opened up a 17-13 lead after an attack error by Manhattan.   

The Jaspers pulled to within 22-21 but the Hornets scored three of the last four points to win the set.

In the second set, Delaware State trailed 15-14, but Manhattan won 10 of the last 12 points for the victory.

The Jaspers used another late run to claim the third set, and open up a 2-1 lead in the match.

The fourth set featured 10 ties before it was Delaware State's turn to pull off a late run.  The score was 15-15 when the Hornets rallied for the next four points to take the lead for good.  DSU clinched the set on a service ace by Arredondo.

In the deciding fifth set, opened up a 9-3 lead and never looked back to claim the match.

The Jaspers had 64 kills for a .212 hitting percentage, while the Hornets had 43 winners for a .109 clip.  Delaware State collected 67 digs, compared to 64 for Manhattan.

The Jaspers improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Hornets close out the tournament against host Towson on Sunday at 11 a.m.