Boxscore

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Highlighted by an incredible rally at the end of the match, the University of Delaware volleyball team cruised to a 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 29-27) victory over UNC Wilmington during a Colonial Athletic Association bout at Hanover Hall on Sunday afternoon.

Three Blue Hens posted double-digit kill totals, led by a match-high 12 from Katie Dennehy (at right). The sophomore standout also recorded 11 digs for her second career double-double. She rounded out her outstanding day with three blocks and two aces.

Elena Delle Donne also had 11 kills and six blocks, while Meghan Bonk chipped in with 10 kills. Steph Barry led a strong defensive effort, posting 24 digs during the contest.

With the victory, Delaware (6-10, 2-0 CAA) extended its winning streak to three matches. It marks the first time the Blue Hens have won three straight since running off 11 in a row prior to their second-round loss to St. John’s in the 2007 NCAA Tournament.

Although Delaware earned the three-set sweep, the team used an incredible effort in the waning moments of the match to earn the victory. Entering the third frame with a two-set advantage, the Blue Hens utilized an early five-point roll, which included three assists and a kill by Jess Chason, to grab a 12-9 lead. The Seahawks responded, winning 10 of the next 13 rallies to take the lead at 19-15.

Still up by four at 21-17, the Seahawks capitalized on two kills by Paula McConnell and another by Kelli Clear to earn set-point at 24-17.

Staring at a seven-point deficit with no room for error, the Blue Hens orchestrated one of the finest late-set rallies in program history. Four Seahawks errors, two kills by Dennehy, one by Delle Donne, and an ace from Paige Erickson kept the game alive.

After holding off set-point for six straight rallies, the Blue Hens beat the odds and fought back to gain their own at 25-24. Although UNCW used two straight kills by Clear to retake the lead, Delaware once again refused to go down after Delle Donne blasted a kill to knot the set at 26.

Still tied at 27, the Blue Hens completed the improbable comeback after a Seahawk miscue followed by another Delle Donne kill gave the team the sweep with the 29-27 victory.

The early part of the match was much less nerve-wracking than the final moments. In the first set, the Blue Hens made an early statement, grabbing the first three points of the match following back-to-back kills by Bonk and Delle Donne and an ace by Dennehy. Although the two teams traded blows after that point, Delaware eventually extended its lead to four at 15-11 when Erickson notched two straight blocks.

Still ahead by four at 18-14, the Hens saw their lead briefly drop to three before running off five straight points highlighted by two kills from Bonk. Now leading 23-15, Delaware lost one rally before Dennehy and Stewart fired back-to-back kills into the UNCW defense to cap the first-set victory at 25-16.

In the second set, the Seahawks held an early 3-2 advantage following two aces by Anna Price, but the Blue Hens were ready to answer. Following a five-point run that saw Delle Donne post two straight blocks, Delaware took the lead at 7-3. A second five-point run eventually saw the Hens extend their advantage to 13-6.

Following a strong push in the second half of the set, UNCW eventually chipped its lead down to four at 21-17. Despite the rally, the Seahawks could not complete the comeback. Still leading by four at 22-18, the Blue Hens took the last three rallies, capped by back-to-back blocks by Delle Donne, to clinch the win at 25-18.

Along with Delle Donne’s match-high six blocks, Erickson added four stops, while Dennehy and Chason had three apiece. Chason also notched 29 assists, seven digs, and three kills to help pace Delaware.

UNC Wilmington was led by Paula McConnell, who finished with eight kills and five blocks. Ashlyn Morris also had 21 digs, while Jacqueline Crane led the way with 17 assists.

Delaware will look to continue its winning streak on Friday when the team hosts William & Mary at 7 p.m.