BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct 4, 2024)--On Friday evening at Hill Field House, the Morgan State Bears achieved a remarkable victory (25-16, 25-23, 25-17) against the North Carolina Central University Lady Eagles, demonstrating their determination and skill. The win was not only a great start to the Homecoming weekend but ended a five-match losing skid to NCCU.
 
Morgan State, which ended a three-match losing skid, improved to 5-12 overall and 1-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). North Carolina Central dropped to 3-11, 1-2 MEAC.
 
The Bears put on an impressive performance on Friday, much to the delight of fans and players alike. Head coach Xiomara Ortiz emphasized the significance of the win, stating, "Not only is this a conference game, but it is Homecoming, so being able to secure the victory is amazing."
 
The energy in the arena was electric and the team's hard work paid off, making this Homecoming a memorable one for everyone involved.
 
After the lost week the Bears went back into the lab and continued working, "just the places we can control," said Ortiz. "So the service line was one. We did a lot of that, and the serve and pass, and then on top of that, we knew we were going to be pretty good matchups from an offensive standpoint. So we worked a little bit on some of our offensive scheming there too".
 
The Bears dominated the court, clinching the match in just three sets. They recorded an impressive 43 kills, setting a new conference season high, and boasted a hitting percentage of .281 with 42 digs and 29 assists.
 
"I would say just maintaining positivity throughout the entire set, realizing that a singular error doesn't make the entire game, and leaning on my teammates to help me bounce back, and being that same, that same rock for them," said senior Addison Metts, who had a remarkable game finishing with a .389 hitting percentage and nine kills.
 
Junior Daniela Ferreira delivered a standout performance, finishing with a match-high 14 kills, a team-high eight digs and had three blocks. Sophomore Jada Williams added eight kills and sophomore setter Mya Karrick was instrumental as well, recording a match-high 31 assists with seven digs, showcasing her playmaking skills throughout the game.
 
The Lady Eagles put forth a determined effort, finishing the match with a total of 27 kills, 26 digs, and 24 assists. Kamern Harper stood out for her team, contributing significantly with 10 kills, while Gabriela Felix-Baeza totaled a match-high 12 digs. Bella Dearinger totaled 22 assists.
 
The Bears will now turn their attention to the South Carolina State Lady Bulldogs (1-12, 0-3 MEAC), who they will face on Sunday, Oct. 6 for their annual MSU Volleyball Homecoming match at Hill Field House. First serve is at 11 a.m. Get ready for an exciting matchup and come out to show your support! It's a fantastic time to celebrate school spirit and cheer on our team!


FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE 
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more. 
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
 
ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.