CHARLOTTE, NC -- The University of Delaware volleyball team split its two matches at the Charlotte/Spring Hill Suites Invitational at Halton Arena Saturday, falling to Middle Tennesse State 3-0, and defeating the host 49ers 3-1.

In the Blue Hens’ opener Delaware fell to the Blue Raiders by game scores of 30-14, 30-23, and 30-22. Freshman Molly Rand and senior Niecy Taylor led the Blue Hens with eight kills apiece, while junior Heather Ranck added a team-high nine digs. Sophomore Megan Welch posted 22 assists and seven digs, while classmate Colleen Walsh added five kills and six digs and Taylor recorded a team-best four blocks.

Andressa Lyra and Ashley Adams each had 12 kills for Middle Tennessee State, while Alicia Lemau’u posted a match-high 15 digs and Megan Sumrell notched 33 assists.

In the nightcap, Ranck had a game high 31 digs leading the Blue Hens to the win over Charlotte by game scores of 30-22, 31-29, 22-30 and 30-23. Rand had a career high 19 kills and added eight digs, while Welch recorded a double- double with 37 assists and 12 digs. Walsh added 12 kills, while Megan McGrath made a team-high six blocks.

The 49ers were led by Abbey Szlanfucht with 16 kills and 23 digs, while teammate Jessica Oldenburg made 15 kills.

Taylor was Delaware’s representative on the All-Tournament Team.

The Blue Hens return home Tuesday, September 6 to host UMBC at 7 p.m. at
Viera Court.

Delaware vs. Charlotte Boxscore

Delaware vs. Middle Tennessee Boxscore