Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware volleyball team clinched a top-two seed in the Colonial Athletic Association playoffs after downing George Mason, 3-0 (30-20, 30-21, 30-8), at Viera Court on Friday night.

With the win, Delaware (26-5, 10-2) cannot finish lower than second in the conference, guaranteeing them a bye in the first round of the CAA tournament.

During the match, Michelle LaLonde (at right) posted 10 kills, five blocks, and four aces to lead the Hens. Kelly Gibson also had a match-high 14 kills, while Steph Barry had 18 digs.

Senior co-captains Colleen Walsh and Megan Welch also had outstanding matches. Honored before the contest for senior day, Welch went on to post a match-high 41 assists, while Walsh had 11 kills and four digs.

In the first game, Delaware held a slim 6-4 advantage before the Hens went on a nine-point run. After that point, George Mason battled hard, but Delaware cruised to a 30-20 victory.

During the second game, the Patriots pulled out to a 10-6 lead. The Hens had an answer, notching five-straight to pull ahead, 11-10. Following a timeout, George Mason regrouped to tie the game at 11, but Delaware immediately answered with a four-point run. After that point, the Hens never relinquished the lead, as they won, 30-21.

In the final frame, the Patriots held a slim 2-1 lead before the Hens went on a 10-1 run. With Delaware in command, Michelle LaLonde took the ball and ran off nine-straight points. Over that period, LaLonde notched a kill and three of her match-high four aces. Walsh also added two kills over that stretch, which extended Delaware’s lead to 22-6.

Up 16, the Hens clinched the match with a 30-8 victory.

Paige Erickson had six kills and four blocks during the contest, while Jess Chason added eight digs and two aces. Katie Dennehy also had six kills and two blocks.

George Mason (14-10, 7-5) was led by Kristen Byler, who had 15 digs. Jaqueline Kohler added eight kills, while Fernanda Bartels had 20 assists, eight digs, and three blocks.

During the match, the Hens held a commanding .294-.065 advantage in attack percentage.

Delaware has now beaten George Mason in six straight matches, including both meetings this season. The Patriots hold the edge in the all-time series, 18-14.

The Blue Hens return to action on Thursday when they travel to Williamsburg to take on William & Mary at 7 p.m.

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