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Nov. 2, 2007
Christopher Delgado
PRINCESS ANNE, Md.-While it is never easy to follow the success of others, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) volleyball and bowling teams are hoping to follow in the footsteps of the cross country teams. The volleyball team picked up a pair of wins over Hampton and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) this past week, while the fourth ranked women's bowling team started the season with an 8-1 record in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Currently, volleyball is riding a nation leading 20 match winning streak and finished undefeated (10-0) in MEAC regular season play, at home, and away for the first time ever. "It's not everyday that you finish the season undefeated in conference and with the nation's longest winning streak," said Head Coach Don Metil. "However, we have to move past that now and focus our attention on winning the MEAC Championship." The volleyball team now waits to see who their opening round opponent will be in the MEAC Tournament. UMES the number one seed from the north will play the fourth seed from the south. "Everything that has happened up to this point is in the past and we have to prove ourselves once again," said Metil. "There is no reward for losing now, so every game is a must-win for us." Christina Estebane' (El Paso, Texas/Midland College) recorded her fourth triple double of the year in the match against NCCU with 11 kills, 17 digs and 52 assists. In the final two matches she finished with 17 kills, 21 digs, 85 assists, and four aces. Whitney Johnson (Prince Frederick, Md./University of Albany) finished with 37 kills and three and half blocks, while Caylin Woodward (Garden Grove, Calif./Pacifica H.S.) had 23 kills, 26 digs, and six aces in the last two matches. Senior Kate Smith (Carpentersville, Ill./Dundee Crown H.S.) and junior Holiday Eller (Minnetonka, Minn./St. Benilde-St. Margaret's H.S.) were recognized on senior night. Eller will graduate early in the spring. It was opening weekend for the UMES bowling team and they cruised past MEAC Northern Division opponents with their one loss coming at the hands of #18 Delaware State University, 1,021-921. They played the Hornets only once in a head-to-head match. The Lady Hawks beat #14 Morgan State University, Hampton University, Coppin State University, and Howard University each twice. "It was good to get a feel for where we are to start the season and to see how our three freshman mix with our returning players," said Head Coach Sharon Brummell. "Overall, I was pleased and I am anxious to see how we will progress." All-MEAC and All-NCAA performer Jessica Worsley (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) rolled the highest game on day one for UMES, a 248. Not far behind was All-American Laura Zanrucha (Binghamton, N.Y./Susquehanna Valley H.S.) who tallied a 241. The Hawks tallied ten games over 200. Worsley had three, adding a 218 and 222 to her 248. Zanrucha had a pair with a 215 and 241, while freshman Katherine Brown (Level Green, Pa./Penn Trafford H.S.) also had a pair with a 221 and 227. Brown in her two games averaged the highest pin fall at 224 while Worsley, who bowled in all five head-to-head games, averaged 208.4. UPCOMING MATCH UMES volleyball travels to Hampton, Va. on Friday, November 16 for the MEAC Championships. Their opponent is to be determined (TBD) with the winner advancing to play in the semi-final round on November 17. The championship game is also scheduled for November 17. All times are to be announced (TBA). UPCOMING MEET The UMES cross country teams will travel to Bethlehem, Pa. to compete in the NCAA Regional Championships on Saturday, November 10. The time is TBA. UPCOMING TOURNAMENT The UMES bowling team will look for another solid outing on November 10-11 as they face the MEAC Northern Division in Baltimore, Md. starting at 12 p.m. on both days. UPCOMING GAMES The UMES women's basketball team hosts an exhibition game at home against Elizabeth City State University on Wednesday, November 7 at 6 p.m. They open regular season play at home on Saturday, November 10 at 4 p.m. against Morgan State University in a non-conference game. The UMES men's basketball team opens their season on the road as they travel to Richmond, Va. on Friday, November 9 to take on Virginia Commonwealth University at 7 p.m. They host Shenandoah University in an exhibition game on Tuesday, November 13 at 7 p.m. All basketball games will be broadcast on WTGM-AM 960 The Team. |
