DOVER, DE -- The University of Delaware volleyball team stretched its winning streak to eight games after topping Delaware State, 3-0 (30-22, 30-24, 30-17), in Dover on Tuesday night.

The Hens were led by junior Kelly Gibson (at right), who returned to full-time action for the first time this season. During the match, she recorded seven kills, two aces, and a team-high 12 digs.

Although it was Gibson’s fifth match of the season, it was the first one during which she saw significant time as a hitter. An injury limited her to the back row for the majority of the team’s first seven games of the season.

Colleen Walsh chipped in with a game-high 15 kills and two blocks. Megan Welch added 47 assists, while Michelle LaLonde had 11 kills.

Freshman Katie Dennehy also tallied 10 kills for her fourth double-digit kill effort of the season. Molly Rand posted seven digs, five kills, and an ace.

Of the Hens’ eight wins, five have now ended 3-0. No previous Delaware team recorded more three-game sweeps in its first eight matches.

The contest marked the fourth ever meeting between the Hens and the Hornets, while it was the first one held in Dover. Delaware won the previous three matches, 3-0, in 1987, 1993, and 2005.

Delaware State (0-8) was led by Ayana Dyette, who recorded 12 kills. Laura Huculak added 17 assists, and Kinga Muszynski posted a team-high 11 digs.

The Blue Hens will return to action on Friday at 4 p.m. when they face Brown during the first day of the University of Miami Invitational.

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