HIGHLANDERS SUFFER 3-1 SETBACK TO UMES

BOX SCORE BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y. – In the battle of unbeatens, the Radford volleyball team established early leads in each of the four sets, but could not hold on as Maryland Eastern Shore took the 3-1 (25-16, 21-25, 25-20, 25-18) decision on Saturday afternoon in the final game for both teams at the SFC Terrier Invitational.

Leading the Highlanders (2-1) were sophomore Rachel Wiechecki and freshman Cheyanne James. Wiechecki erupted for 15 kills and 16 digs to register her second double-double of the tournament, while James put down 12 kills and 10 digs for her first collegiate double-double.

For the three-game tournament, Wiechecki amassed 39 kills and 46 digs.

Junior Emily Carlin also reached double figures in digs with 11, while sophomores Jena Braden and Christine Beckham dished out a combined 43 assists.

UMES (3-0) was paced by Saitaua Iosia's double-double of 24 kills and 17 digs, which were both game highs. Ndidi Ibe joined Iosia in the double-figure kills column with 13, while attacking at a .571 clip. Jessica Vicic had a game-high 47 handouts, while Jingqiao Li was credited with 10 digs for the Hawks.

UMES used a blistering .552 attack percentage to claim the opening set. Radford jumped out to an early 4-1 advantage before the Hawks rallied with a 17-7 run to go ahead by nine. The Highlanders cut the deficit to seven, but the defending MEAC champions quickly closed the door to take the first game, 25-16.

The second stanza started much like the first as RU built an early 4-1 lead once again. UMES showed its resiliency once more, mounting a run that helped the Hawks reclaim the lead at 9-7.

By capturing the next six points, the Highlanders were able to establish a 4-point advantage. UMES made one last challenge late in the frame to close to within one (22-21), but Radford was able to claim the final three points to even the match at one game apiece.

Like the first two sets, the Highlanders once again obtained an early 3-point lead, this time 6-3. However, the Hawks were up to the challenge again, as a Iosia kill sparked another UMES comeback. With the score tied at 10, the Hawks seized the next three points, which provided enough cushion the rest of the way for UMES to triumph in game three and move ahead 2-1 in the match.

In the final game, Radford grabbed its fourth early lead of the contest at 8-4. After squaring the set at 13, the Hawks put the game and match out of reach by winning the next six points to grasp a 19-13 lead. The Highlanders got within five, 20-15, but UMES claimed five of the final eight points to win the set 25-18 and clinch the match.

RU hit for .223 with 53 kills on the day, while the Hawks accumulated 56 kills at a .357 clip.

The Highlanders take their season-opening road swing to Hampton, Va. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, for a 2:00 p.m. non-conference tilt with the Pirates.

Print Friendly Version