Dover, Del. (Sep. 25, 2016) --- Delaware State made defending MEAC champ Howard play four sets before topping the topping Hornets in Memorial Hall this afternoon.  The contest was DSU's 2016 MEAC opener, while the Bison improved to 12-5 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

Howard won the first two sets 25-10 and 25-9 before the Hornets stayed alive in the match with a 26-24 victory in the third set.

The Bison took the fourth set 25-13 to win the match.

Howard's Khaila Donaldson, the Preseason MEAC Player-of-the-Year, led all players with 16 kills on 33 attacks (.333).

NaKia Jones was tops on the Hornets with eight kills on 15 attempts (.467). DSU's Aaliyah McBean had a match-high 15 digs, while Gabriella Enriquez led the Hornets with 20 assists.

Howard had a .393 attack percentage in the first set and a .435 mark in the second to take control of the match.

There were 14 ties and eight lead changes in the third set. The Hornets trailed 5-2 early in the set, but won six of the next eight points to open up an 8-7 lead.

DSU trailed 20-19 before running off four straight points to open its biggest lead of the set, 23-30. Sydney Armbrister had a kill and an ace, while Enriquez and Jae Jackson combined on a block during the rally.

Howard answered with a 3-0 run to tie the third set at 23-23.

The Hornets scored three of the last four points, and won the set on a kill by Jones off a feed from Enriquez.

Howard posted a .407 hitting percentage in its fourth set win.

Delaware State (0-13 overall) returns to action with a non-conference home match against American University on Wednesday (Sep. 28). The contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Memorial Hall.