NEW ORLEANS, LA -- The University of Delaware volleyball team continued its impressive winning streak, topping Nicholls State, 3-0 (30-13, 30-25, 30-17), and New Orleans, 3-1 (30-20, 29-31, 30-17, 30-22), to capture the championship in the Four Points by Sheraton Invitational in New Orleans.

Sophomore Michelle LaLonde was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after recording her first career double-double by tallying 18 kills and 12 digs in the championship match. She also added a team-high six blocks in the win.

For the tournament, LaLonde compiled 33 kills, 14 digs, and nine blocks.

Along with LaLonde, Stephanie Barry and Molly Rand were named to the All-Invitational team. Barry finished with a tournament-high 53 digs and ten service aces. Against New Orleans, she also recorded her third 30-dig performance in 2007.

Rand added 21 kills, eight digs, and four blocks for the Hens during the two-day tournament.

Colleen Walsh also had a strong showing in New Orleans, leading the Hens with 42 kills. Against Nicholls State, she became the Hens’ all-time leader in career attacks with 3,873. Joanna Dusza was the previous record holder, tallying 3,859 from 1995-99.

Senior setter Megan Welch also notched a tournament-high 105 assists, while Katie Dennehy chipped in with 21 kills and seven blocks.

With the two victories, Delaware improves to 7-0. The seven straight wins to start the season are the second most in program history, trailing only last year’s squad that began 2006 with 12 consecutive victories.

Delaware returns to action on Tuesday at 7 p.m. when the squad faces Delaware State in Dover.

Delaware v. Nicholls State

Delaware v. New Orleans