By Jasmine King, Volleyball, Public Relations '13

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – The Lady Bison (4-19, 2-3 MEAC) fell to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (16-6, 6-0 MEAC) in four sets at the W.P. Hytche Center on Sunday.

Howard came out the first set sluggish losing the set 14-25. The Hawks dominated the Lady Bison by capitalizing on their unforced errors.

"We just didn't come ready to play until the third set, which for us is something that we cannot do as we start the second half of conference play," commented head coach Dawn Barnes.

The second set mirrored the first, with HU dropping one to UMES, 16-25. The Lady Bison could hardly side out. A few rallies back and forth gave the team momentum for a short run, but the Hawks found a way to win.

Going into the third set, Howard was fired up. The team executed each point winning the set 25-12.

The fourth set seemed to be in the HU's hands, but the end result was UMES coming out on top with a 16-25 win. Unforced errors and miscommunication with the execution weighed heavy on Howard.

Senior Tosin Elebute put the team on her shoulders, finishing with the match-high of 22 kills, two aces, and three digs. Stephanie Shultis recorded six kills and 11 assists. Gabrielle Martin chipped in with five kills. Setter Jasmine King ended the match with 23 assists.

On defense, Riana Cain dug up eight balls, followed by Jasmine Tipton with seven digs. The Hawks out blocked the Lady Bison 5 to 7.5 and out dug them 23 to 30.

For the Hawks, Kaveinga Lea'aetoa, Maline Vaitai, Ndidi Ibe and Saitaua Iosia all finished with nine kills, followed by Victoria Williams with seven kills. Setter Jessica Vicic finished with 41 assists.

"UMES out blocked us and we have to do a better job with our blocking game in order to beat them next Friday," says Barnes.

The Lady Bison take on the UMES Hawks again on Friday at The Burr beginning at 6 pm.