Exciting Homecoming Showdown: Morgan State vs. Maryland Eastern Shore

Morgan State Faces UMES in Exciting Homecoming Match

Morgan State University will wrap up its homecoming festivities on Sunday, Oct. 11, by hosting the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) at Hill Field House at 3 p.m. The Bears are currently on a roll, boasting a three-match home winning streak and two recent victories, including a dominant 3-0 sweep against South Carolina State.

In their last game, Selah Brashear led Morgan State with an impressive .400 hitting percentage, racking up 13 kills. Daniella Ferreira contributed seven kills, while Isabelle Brown facilitated the offense with 29 assists. Mya Karrick and Mele Taumoepeau provided strong defensive support with eight digs each.

UMES, however, is looking to bounce back after a recent 3-1 loss to Coppin State, ending their four-game winning streak. Malaysia Shaw led the Hawks with 12 kills and a .526 hitting percentage, while Jayda Hutchins assisted on 19 plays. The Hawks are a tough opponent, having beaten Morgan State in their last six matchups, with the previous four all going to five sets.

Morgan State’s head coach, Xiomara Ortiz, shared her thoughts on this challenge: “UMES is always a good match for us. They are scrappy defensively and push through our offensive schemes.” She anticipates a competitive and energetic clash.

Historically, Morgan State leads the all-time series against UMES, but the Hawks have recently found success. Their last defeat to the Bears was on September 16, 2022, during the George Mason Invitational.

Looking Forward

Following the matchup with UMES, Morgan State will host crosstown rivals Coppin State on Friday, Oct. 17. This upcoming game will be crucial as Morgan aims to reinforce its home court advantage and improve their standings.

On a team note, junior middle blocker Jada Williams leads the MEAC with an impressive 1.05 blocks per set this season. She also recently moved into sixth place on Morgan’s all-time blocks list with 252 career blocks. Meanwhile, junior setter Mya Karrick is nearing the 1,000 assists milestone with 783 assists to date.

Player Highlights

Aubrey Wilson, a sophomore middle hitter, reached a milestone with her 100th career block. She’s making a significant impact this season, currently ranking 17th all-time at Morgan State.

Freshman setter Isabelle Brown has been recognized as the MEAC Setter of the Week, showcasing her talent as she adjusts to college-level play. She recorded a standout performance with 49 assists in a match this season.

Community and Future Engagements

Morgan State continues to build its program, welcoming nine newcomers this season, including three transfers and five freshmen. This investment in talent promises to enhance their competitive edge.

The Bears also ranked sixth in the MEAC preseason poll, showing potential for growth as they aim to exceed expectations.

As always, fans can stay updated on the team’s journey through various social media platforms, ensuring no highlight or moment is missed.

In terms of recent trends, college volleyball continues to gain popularity, with increased attendance and fan engagement. The sport’s emphasis on teamwork and strategy resonates with many, making it an exciting time for both players and supporters alike.

Morgan State’s volleyball program is not just about wins; it’s also committed to academic excellence. The Bears were recently honored with the AVCA Team Academic Award for maintaining high academic standards, demonstrating their dedication to both sports and education.

In summary, Morgan State’s upcoming clash with UMES promises to be an exciting event filled with competitive spirit and community support. Fans will be eager to see if the Bears can break their recent losing streak against the Hawks and continue their upward trend this season.

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