Hampton, Va. (Sept. 6, 2023) ... The Lady Pirates are preparing to compete in the Henson Hawk Invitational this weekend (Sept. 8-9) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. They will compete against Quinnipiac, Gardner-Webb and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
 
Friday, September 8, 2 pm - Quinnipiac vs Hampton
Saturday, September 9, 10 am - Hampton vs Gardner-Webb
Saturday, September 9, 6 pm - Hampton at UMES
 
The Lady Pirates look to recreate their 3-0 start from last season. Hampton returns seven players from last year's roster. The Lady Pirates are returning one of their top offensive players in Madison Clark, a native of Hampton, Va. She produced 115 kills along with seven service aces. On the defensive side, Rickelle Wecott returns for her senior season. Wescott was second for the Lady Pirates in blocks with 40. Ten of those 40 blocks were solo, placing her tied for fifth in the CAA's final statistics from the 2022 campaign. 
 
Scouting the Quinnipiac Bobcats
 
The Bobcats are led by Kyle Robinson in his 5th season. In 2022, Robinson coached the Bobcats to 14 wins (tied the most in his tenure), including a MAAC Championship and a berth into the NCAA Tournament. They have started the season 2-4 with wins against Morgan State and Columbia. They are led by Yagmur Gunes with 63 kills with their primary setter being her sister Damla with 208 assists. Defensively, Fa'avae Kimsel Moe has recorded the most digs with 68. Friday's match will be the first meeting between the two schools.
 
Scouting the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs
 
Eric Plunkett is beginning his third season at the helm of Gardener Webb. Last year, they finished 6th in the Big South. They kicked off this season with a 2-3 start, with wins against Stony Brook and NC Central. Jenna Otts has tallied the most kills for the Bulldogs with 71 and Morgan Hornaday leads in assists with 132. Sophia Kotsovolos has the most digs with 85. The Bulldogs lead the series 4-1 all-time. Gardner-Webb won the last matchup in straight sets in 2021.
 
Scouting the UMES Hawks
 
Vanessa Faircloth is in her first season as head coach for the Hawks. The team is 3-4, taking down UNC Asheville, Alabama A&M and Central Connecticut State. Derionah Abner is leading the offense with 69 kills. Romina Vacca is the team's main setter with 147 assists. Isil Yilmaz has notched the most digs thus far with 66. The Hawks are leading the series 30-22. The Pirates won the most recent match in 2022 in four sets.