SC State Falls to Hampton, 3-1, in the Opening Round of the 2011 MEAC Volleyball Championship

Waller had 18 kills and nine digs in the match

Baltimore, Md.—The SC State women's volleyball fell to Hampton, 3-1, (19-25, 22-25, 25-16, 12-16), in first round of the 2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference volleyball championship. The championships, which run through Sunday (Nov. 20), are being contested at the Physical Education Complex, on the campus of Coppin State in Baltimore, Md.

SC State began the match slow, falling behind 10-6 early in Set One. The Lady Bulldogs quickly regrouped using a 3-0 run to pull within one at 10-9. Hampton then used a 5-2 run to increase its lead to four, 11-15. The Lady Pirates never relinquished the lead in the as they went on to capture Set One, 25-19.

The Lady Bulldogs began Set Two a little more poised exchanging point-for-point with the Lady Pirates to start the set. Hampton took control of the set as they used a 6-1 run to jump ahead 12-7 and force SC State to play catch-up over the remainder of the Set. The Lady Bulldogs pulled within one at 18-19, but Hampton regained control of the set, once again pushing its lead to 23-18. SC State used a 3-0 run to pull within two, 21-23, but could not get any closer, falling in Set Two, 25-22.

After intermission SC State began Set Three very aggressive. The Lady Bulldogs opened up an early 9-5 lead and increased its lead to 13-10 before Hampton's offense came back to life. The Lady Pirates stayed within two points before the Lady Bulldogs used an 8-1 to open up an eight point lead, 21-13. SC State would go on to win Set Three, 25-16.

The Lady Bulldogs came out flat to begin Set Four, falling down 7-1 early in the set. The Lady Pirates increased its lead to 13-3 to take complete control of the Set. SC State could not get any offense going in the set as Hampton won Set Four 25-12 and the match 3-1.

“We just couldn't get going today,” said interim head coach Donika Sutton. “We tried to stay true to our game plan but it just seems like nothing worked.”

MEAC Player of the Year Desire Waller led SC State with 18 kills, nine digs and three block assists. Seniors Shabree Roberson and Peri Ligons contributed seven and six kills, respectively. Roberson also put down two block solos and one block assist as SC State closed out its season with a 17-16 overall record, the team's first winning record since the 2004 season.

Hampton had two players to finish in double-figure kills led by Sonja Maksimovic with 11. Krista Kraskura had 10 kills with four total blocks and Lihi Elkayam had 30 set assists as Hampton improved to 13-13 overall.

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