NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware volleyball team clinched a spot in the Colonial Athletic Association playoffs after downing James Madison, 3-1 (30-22, 31-33, 30-26, 30-21), on Friday night at Viera Court.

The victory also marked the 100th of Bonnie Kenny's six-year tenure as head coach of the Blue Hens. She improved to 100-79 with Delaware and 440-331 overall.

The Hens were led by Kelly Gibson and Katie Dennehy, who both topped the 20-kill plateau. Gibson notched a match-high 22 kills to go along with 19 digs. Dennehy had 21 kills and only four errors during the match.

The Hens (25-4, 9-2 CAA) have now won more matches than any Delaware team since the 1995 squad went 25-13 and captured the NAC regular season championship.

After the Hens won the first set of the match, they grabbed an early 12-11 lead in the second frame. Following that, the Dukes went on a run of eight straight points to grab a 19-12 lead. Although Delaware answered with its own 13-5 run to grab a one-point lead, the Dukes held a 9-5 advantage over the last fourteen points to take the game, 33-31.

In the third game, the two teams once again went back-and-forth. Eventually, James Madison grabbed a slim 16-15 lead. After Delaware answered with three straight points, the Hens never relinquished the lead as they took game three, 30-26.

During the fourth and final game, the Hens took a 12-9 lead. After the Dukes answered with a point, Delaware ripped off four straight points and seven of the next nine.

After that point, it was all Delaware as the Hens cruised to a 30-21 victory to capture the match.

Megan Welch posted 60 assists in the match, while Steph Barry had a team-high 22 digs. Colleen Walsh added 15 kills, while Michelle LaLonde had 10 kills, five digs, and three blocks.

Freshmen Greta Gibboney and Jess Chason also had strong performances, notching 12 and 10 digs respectively. Paige Erickson added a team-high five blocks as well.

James Madison (15-10, 6-5) was led by Allyson Halls who had 18 kills and 12 digs. Jena Pierson notched a match-high 30 digs, while Lauren Miles had 46 assists.

The Dukes also held a 15-10 advantage in blocks, led by Michelle Johnson who had nine. Halls added seven for James Madison, while Miles had six.

The Blue Hens return to action tomorrow at 7 p.m. when they host George Mason at Viera Court in the team’s last home match of the regular season.

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