The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) women’s volleyball team battled North Carolina Central through five sets on Sept. 27, 2026, inside the Hytche Center in Princess Anne, Maryland, before ultimately falling 3-2. North Carolina Central won with set scores of 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 24-26 and 15-12.
North Carolina Central Wins Decisive Fifth Set
After taking the opening set, North Carolina Central saw UMES respond strongly in the second. The teams were tied at 24-24 before a NCCU service error gave the Hawks the advantage. Jayda Hutchins then closed out the set with a service ace for a 26-24 win.
The Eagles regained the lead in the third set with a 25-22 victory, but the Hawks answered again in the fourth set. UMES hit .409, recording 12 kills to force a deciding fifth set, which North Carolina Central secured with a 15-12 win.
The loss dropped UMES to 2-11 overall and 1-1 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play.
Jayda Hutchins Leads the Hawks
Jayda Hutchins led UMES offensively with a match-high 18 kills, hitting .250 and adding seven digs. Karielys Melendez contributed 11 kills, three service aces and four digs, while Dynasty Andrews finished with five kills and five solo blocks.
Kate-Linh Eden directed the offense with 27 assists, five digs and one service ace. Arianna Warner Torres led the team defensively with 18 digs.
UMES finished with 10 total blocks, including seven solo blocks, and six service aces as a team. The Hawks hit .168 collectively, while North Carolina Central hit .233.
Upcoming UMES Women’s Volleyball Schedule
UMES will continue MEAC play on the road against Norfolk State on Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. in Norfolk, Virginia. The Hawks will then return home to host Howard University on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. inside the Hytche Center.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The UMES women’s volleyball team showed resilience by answering North Carolina Central’s first- and third-set wins with victories in the second and fourth sets. Ultimately, NCCU prevailed in the deciding fifth set, with Jayda Hutchins leading the Hawks’ effort with 18 kills.
Source: Original report
