Jersey City, N.J. (Sep. 11, 2019) --- Delaware State was a set away from victory, but faltered in the last two sets in a 3-2 loss to St. Peter's Wednesday evening. The defeat overshadowed a dominating performance by DSU middle blocker Sydney Lewis (fr.), who recorded a career-high 22 kills and just one error on 29 attempts for a .714 attack percentage. Lewis' 22 winners marked a team high this season. She was also strong on defense, totaling nine blocks, including three solos.
Hornet setter Jelena Dukic (jr.) also shined in the match, dishing out season-bests of 53 assists and 18 digs. In addition, Jasmal Cruz (fr.) recorded a career-high 30 digs to lead all players.
St. Peter's won the first set 25-21. There were six ties in the opening set. The biggest lead in the set was three until the Pea Hens scored the final point.
Lewis was unstoppable in the Hornets' 25-13 victory in the second set. She had six kills on six attempts and recorded three blocks in the set. Cruz recorded six digs and Anadys Valentin four in set two. St. Peter's led 8-5 in the second set before the Hornets took control. DSU responded by scoring 14 of the next 15 points, and opened up an 18-9 lead on a service ace by Valentin. The Hornets outscored St. Peter's 7-4 the rest of the way to claim the set.
Delaware State opened up a 2-1 lead in the match with a 25-23 victory in the third set. The Pea Hens scored the first four points in the set, and held a late 22-20 lead. The Hornets rallied to score five of the last six points, including a kill by Lewis, to tie the score at 22-22. DSU opened up a 24-22 lead on a kill by Jordan Vang and sealed the victory on a winner by Ryanne Burnett.
St. Peter's stayed alive in the match with a 25-23 victory in set four. DSU only led once in the set (2-1). The biggest lead was 23-19 by St. Pete's.
In the deciding fifth set, Delaware State led 11-9 before a late rally by the Pea Hens, who scored five of the last six points in the 15-12 win.
Burnett added 16 kills and Vang 10 for the Hornets. Valentin contributed 14 digs, the fifth time in eight matches that she's reached double figures in digs.
Delaware State returns to action at the Lafayette Tournament in Easton, Pa., this weekend (Sep. 13-14).
