Hampton University
Howard
Howard Defeat Hampton in Five
11.11.06 | Volleyball
Hampton, VA,--Janel James recorded a double-double (21 kills-11 digs) and Morgan Maxwell put down 16 kills as Howard defeated Hampton, 3-2, (27-30, 30-28, 26-30, 30-18, 15-5). The victory over Hampton assures Howard a place in the 2006 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament set for next Friday and Saturday in Hampton. Howard will hold the seventh or eighth seed pending the outcome of the Coppin State-Delaware State match-up also contested tonight.
In Game One neither team could gain an advantage as they exchanged points throughout the first 17 points. Hampton, (7-21, 2-8 MEAC), took its largest lead of the game, 17-20, but Howard, (9-18, 4-6 MEAC), fought back to get even at 23. The Lady Pirates took the lead for good at 26-28 eventually defeating the Lady Bison in Game One, 27-30.
Lady Bison came out in Game Two on fire taking a five point advantage at 11-6. Howard would go up 17-11 before Hampton could put their offense into motion, going on a 15-10 run to pull the game even at 26. The Lady Bison managed to hold off the run by the Lady Pirates to eventually win Game Two by two 30-28.
Hampton regained control of the match at the start of Game Three scoring the first three points, two off service aces. Howard responded quickly scoring the next six of nine points to pull the score even at 6. The teams went point-for-point over the next nine before Howard pulled ahead by two at 17-15. Hampton would fight back to bring the game even at 21. The Lady Pirates would control the remainder of Game Three winning by four, 26-30.
Games Four and Five belonged to Howard. The Lady Bison came out in each with intensity and determination. The Lady Bison took the lead in each of the last two games and never relinquished it winning Game Four 30-18, and Game Five 15-5.
In addition to James and Maxwell’s outstanding game, Gabrielle Nicol had nine kills with two solo blocks and four block assists and Shannon Grant contributed 48 set assists in the victory. Jenica Leonard led the team defensively with 24 digs.
The Hampton Pirates had three players to record double-digit kills with Morgan Williams and Ese Ighedosa recording 15 each. Chavanca Hoskins had 13 kills and 11 digs in her last game as a Hampton Lady Pirate.
