CORAL GABLES, FL -- The University of Delaware volleyball team extended its winning streak to nine games after beating Brown, 3-1 (30-25, 23-30, 30-23, 30-16), during the first day of the Miami Invitational in Coral Gables, FL.

Freshman Paige Erickson (at right) led the Hens, recording nine kills and a season-high ten blocks. No Hen has recorded more than ten blocks in a game since Cameo Neeman had 11 against Towson in 2000.

As a team, Delaware posted 15 blocks against Brown (0-1), which tied the most by a Blue Hen team since the squad had 16 against Drexel in 2002.

Both Colleen Walsh and Molly Rand posted double-doubles in the match. Walsh tallied 13 kills and 10 digs, while Rand added 12 digs and 10 kills.

Michelle LaLonde also continued her solid season, tallying a team-high 14 kills and four blocks. Megan Welch had a game-high 50 assists.

In a balanced effort, five Hens recorded 10 or more digs. Stephanie Barry led the team with 20, while Welch, Walsh, Rand, and Greta Gibboney all had at least 10.

The Bears were led by Megan Toman, who had a game-high 17 kills. Katie Lapinski added 29 digs, while Natalie Meyers led the team with 41 assists.

Delaware’s 9-0 start is the second best in team history, trailing only last year’s squad that began the 2006 campaign with 12 straight wins.

The Blue Hens return to action tomorrow for the last day of the Miami Invitational when they face Loyola (IL) at 10 a.m. followed by Miami at 7:30 p.m.

Boxscore