Blue Hens Unblemished in Day One of Retriever Challenge

Friday, September 6

Baltimore, Md.

10 a.m.

University of Delaware

3-0

George Mason University

0-0

George Mason

DELAWARE

Blue Hens Unblemished in Day One of Retriever Challenge

9/6/2019 6:04:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Delaware with perfect start in Baltimore

BALTIMORE – The Delaware volleyball team got off to a fast start in the Retriever Challenge Friday, taking down both George Mason and Saint Francis in straight sets at the UMBC Event Center.

"I'm most proud of us winning two matches today and doing so in convincing fashion," said head coach Sara Matthews. "We still need to execute at a higher level and our first ball contact was not as good as it's been, but we made up for it by serving tough."

The Blue Hens were led all day by reigning CAA Offensive Player of the Week senior Maria Bellinger who totaled 27 kills in the two matches while reigning CAA Rookie of the Week freshman Lani Mason was close behind with 20.

In the morning match with the Patriots, Bellinger went on a 4-0 run by herself in the first to set the tone. Senior Bailey Pearlman was a force off the bench in the match with seven kills and redshirt freshman Addie Rivera had five kills and three aces. All in all, the Blue Hens had 11 service aces against George Mason.

That success at the service line continued with 10 more aces against the Red Flash, led by a career-high five aces from Bellinger. Freshman Ayala Plummer made her first career start and it paid off, going 7-0-9 to hit .778 in the match.

"I though Yaya (Ayala Plummer) was outstanding in the second match and she's only going to continue to improve as she gets acclimated to the college game," Mattews said.

Freshman setter Ezgi Basaranlar was consistent all day with 34 assists in the opener and 32 in the afternoon while senior Andie Hanus had 15 and 12 kills.

Delaware has now hit over .300 in its last three matches and has put together four-consecutive sweeps for the first time since the 2007 season.

The Blue Hens will take on the Retriever Challenge host, UMBC Saturday at 2 p.m. in the finale.

For the latest on the Delaware volleyball program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareVB and Instagram @delawarevolleyball, and like on Facebook at Delaware Volleyball.