PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — D'Youville (2-12, 0-2 NEC) fell to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (12-5, 2-0 NEC) with a 3-1 defeat at the Hytche Center on Friday evening. D'Youville delivered a strong third set with a 25-22 win, but ultimately, the Hawks clinched the victory in four sets.

The first set began with D'Youville's Ethan Robinson (Scarborough, Ontario / Neil McNeil) making a strong offensive impact, securing multiple kills with assists from Andrew Haber (Whitby, Ontario / Brooklin). Despite D'Youville's efforts, UMES maintained a slight edge, capitalizing on service errors and converting key points. Skyler Tutor's (St. Cloud, FL / St. Cloud) service aces midway through the set helped D'Youville level the score at 9-9, but the set remained tightly contested. D'Youville continued to challenge the Hawks, pulling even at 22-22 following a kill by Haber. However, UMES managed to prevail in the closing plays, taking the set 25-23 after a decisive kill.

D'Youville started the second set with a kill by Robinson, assisted by Haber, setting an early competitive tone. Despite multiple service errors from both sides, D'Youville stayed close with key points from Robinson and Tutor. However, UMES capitalized on a series of effective plays, including service aces and kills, to pull ahead. D'Youville continued to fight with consistent contributions from Robinson, yet the Hawks extended their lead to secure the set at 25-15.

D'Youville secured a crucial victory in the third set with a consistent offensive performance. Robinson led the charge with multiple kills, benefiting from precise assists by Haber, which helped D'Youville establish an early lead. Despite the Hawks rallying to tie the score at 18, D'Youville regained momentum with a service ace by Ty Parker (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt) and a decisive block by Robinson and teammates. The set concluded with D'Youville clinching the win, 25-22, ending the game.

D'Youville mounted a determined effort in the fourth set, with Robinson delivering several critical kills, including one at a pivotal moment to narrow the score to 13-14. Despite a strong sequence of plays, which included an effective block by Haber and Parker, D'Youville faced challenges in overcoming UMES's consistent scoring. D'Youville managed to reduce the deficit to 22-24 with Robinson's continued impactful play, but ultimately, a final kill for UMES concluded the set at 25-22. The game ended with UMES securing the victory.

Robinson led the team with 26 kills on 44 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .523 and contributing 28 total points. Haber directed the offense by recording 37 assists and also added three block assists. Tutor was effective at the service line, delivering four aces while also contributing two total blocks. Parker added four kills and two service aces along with four digs.
Up Next

Looking ahead, D'Youville will head back to Buffalo to face Daemen University on Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m. The match will take place in Amherst, New York.