The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball team secured a close 3-2 victory over the LIU Sharks on April 3 at the Hytche Athletic Center, improving their home record to 8-0 this season and moving to 3-4 in Northeast Conference play.
The match was significant as it kept the Hawks unbeaten on their home court and provided them with a third conference win. The game saw both teams trading points early, but the Hawks managed to take control in key moments. UMES won the first two sets by identical scores of 25-21 before LIU responded by taking the next two sets, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final frame, Maryland Eastern Shore never trailed. Key kills from Rowley, Valentine, Joshua Hightower, and Nikilis Blumenstock helped build an early lead for UMES. Despite a brief rally from LIU that narrowed the gap to one point late in the set, a final kill from Hightower sealed a 15-11 win for the Hawks.
Rowley led all players with 17 kills along with four digs and two blocks. Hightower contributed 14 kills and seven digs while Valentine added another double-digit performance with 13 kills. Mills also reached double figures in both kills (11) and digs (11), recording a double-double for UMES.
With this result, Maryland Eastern Shore improved its record in five-set matches this year to two wins without loss. The team will complete its two-game series against LIU at Hytche Arena on Saturday, April 4 at 1 p.m., with streaming available on DSN+ and live stats offered through UMESHawkSports.com.
Looking ahead, fans can follow updates about UMES men’s volleyball through their official website or social media accounts.