Morgan State Volleyball Shines in MEAC
Morgan State’s volleyball team achieved a significant victory on Sunday, sweeping Delaware State 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 26-24) at Memorial Hall. This win marked the Bears’ most victories in a season since 2023 and their best MEAC performance since 2019.
Head coach Xiomara Ortiz expressed pride in the team’s progress. “We’ve carried a chip on our shoulder, and now we’re seeing our hard work pay off,” she noted. This match also ended a long 12-match losing streak against Delaware State, a win they hadn’t pulled off since November 2019.
Hanna Nemeth led the Bears with a stellar performance, achieving 14 kills and a .542 hitting percentage. Teammates Daniela Ferreira and Tyrah Weems also contributed significantly with nine and seven kills, respectively. Morgan State’s defense was solid, with Tameary Wardlaw recording the highest digs at 12.
While Delaware State outpaced Morgan in overall kills 47-37, they struggled with mistakes, racking up 21 attack errors and 11 service errors. Morgan State capitalized on these missteps, hitting .349 for the match compared to Delaware State’s .228.
The third set was particularly intense. Morgan clinched it with an impressive .556 hitting percentage, showcasing their ability to step up under pressure. Coach Ortiz praised her team’s adaptability, especially after a loss just days prior. “We had to rely on new role players, and it’s great to see our depth contributing when needed.”
Up next, Morgan State will head to Norfolk, Virginia, to face Norfolk State on October 24. The Spartans are struggling this season and currently find themselves on a seven-match losing streak.
For more updates on the Bears, visit Morgan State Bears Athletics.
Historical Context
Morgan State’s recent success is a notable shift in the MEAC landscape, especially compared to previous years when consistency was a challenge. Historically, teams that revitalize their programs often see improvements when they foster a strong team culture and depth in their roster. With Morgan State on this trajectory, they could continue to ascend in the conference.
In sports, overcoming adversity often breeds compounding success, which seems to be the case for the Bears this season. As they challenge stronger teams, their ability to refine their skills and adapt will be crucial in the weeks to come.
