NEWARK, DE -- Michelle LaLonde led the University of Delaware volleyball team to a 3-1 (30-28, 25-30, 30-25, 30-28) victory over Virginia Commonwealth during a Colonial Athletic Association match-up at Viera Court.

The victory was the Hens’ ninth straight win overall. It also extended the team’s home winning streak to 10 matches dating back to last season. That streak is now the longest in program history.

During the contest, LaLonde (at right) recorded a match-high 18 kills and .472 attack percentage. She also notched three blocks, including two solo stops.

Stephanie Barry also had another strong performance, tallying a match-high 31 digs. It was the fourth time this season that she went over the 30-dig plateau.

The Hens and Rams were evenly matched throughout the contest. During the four games, the score was tied a total of 29 times.

After Delaware (19-2, 4-0 CAA) won the first game, the Hens dropped the second set. It was the first time they lost a game at home since Boston College beat them, 30-27, in the first game of their first match this season.

Following the loss, the Hens fell behind the Rams, 19-18, in the third frame. Delaware quickly battled back, winning the next four points and 12 of the last 18.

In the last game, the Hens again fell behind late, trailing the Rams 20-19. This time, Delaware rallied behind co-captain Colleen Walsh. After being honored for setting the school’s career kills record before the match, it was only fitting that Walsh recorded four of the Hens’ last eight kills, including the clincher.

Walsh finished the match with 16 kills. Katie Dennehy chipped in with 15, while Kelly Gibson posted her fourth consecutive double-double, notching 15 digs and 12 kills.

Megan Welch also added a season-high 62 assists, while Greta Gibboney posted each of the Hens’ three service aces.

The Rams (4-12, 2-2 CAA) were led by Jessica Ojukwu, who tallied a team-high 17 kills. Laryssa Goncalves also had 19 digs, while Karolin Heinz added 30 assists.

The Blue Hens return to action tomorrow at 7 p.m. when they host William & Mary at Viera Court.

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