BALTIMORE, Md. (Sept. 27, 2024)--On Friday evening, the Morgan State University Lady Bears launched their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) season against the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Lady Hawks. Despite a spirited effort, the Lady Bears fell short in a competitive match, dropping a 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 18-25, 25-19, 10-15) decision to the Lady Hawks in the MEAC opener for both teams at Hill Field House.
 
It was the third consecutive five-set match played between the two teams, as UMES extended its winning streak to five straight over Morgan and has now on eight of the last nine meetings in the series. Morgan State fell to 4-11, 0-1 in the MEAC, while the Lady Hawks improved to 6-6 and 1-0 in the MEAC.
 
The Lady Bears showcased their offensive strength, finishing the match with 49 kills and an impressive hitting percentage of .444 in the opening set.
 
Morgan State head coach Xiomara Ortiz noted, "We have very physical hitters, and we are looking to find consistency. Some of that does dictate our passing and defensive transition game."
 
Daniela Ferreira led the team with 14 kills and had a hitting percentage of .440, while Addison Metts contributed 10 and Madison Grace added nine. Mya Karrick finished with 35 assists and totaled a match-high four service aces.
 
In addition to their kills, the Lady Bears recorded 48 assists and 41 digs. Metts and Mikaela Esparza each had eight digs.
 
"I can't do anything without my teammates," said Ferreira. "For me to have a good hit, I need a good set and a good pass. I'm just doing the easy part, which is putting the ball on the floor and working together every single game."
 
However, the team struggled at the service line, committing 11 service errors. Coach
Ortiz acknowledged this challenge.
 
"We know that's something we can control. It's a little bit of a mentality and confidence issue," said Ortiz. "Taking control at the service line is something we can manage as we move forward."
 
The Bears out blocked UMES, 14.0-7.0 for the match. Jada Williams set a career-high nine blocks, including an impressive seven solo blocks.
 
The Lady Hawks were led by Ranyla Griggs, who delivered an impressive performance with a match-high 19 kills. Nkemjika Ikemefuna also made a significant impact, contributing 17 kills, while Lilliana Montes rounded out the strong offensive effort with 11 kills.
 
Despite the loss, the Lady Bears remain focused on building chemistry and improving with each game.
 
"I'm excited to continue seeing our growth," said Metts. "Every time we step onto the court, I feel new energy and relationships forming. We definitely feed off one another."
 
The Bears will travel to Dover, Del., to face the Delaware State University Lady Hornets on Sunday, October 6 at 11 a.m.
 
 
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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.