BALTIMORE-- The UMBC volleyball team concluded its 2008 regular season with a 3-1 victory over Hartford at the RAC. The Retrievers improved to 18-12 and 7-5 in America East play, while the Hawks dropped to 6-25 and 0-12 in conference action. With the win, UMBC clinched the third seed in the America East Tournament to be held Nov. 21-22 in Albany, N.Y. 

The Retrievers started off sluggish, as the Hawks hit. 394 and won the first set, 25-22, but the UMBC played very well after that, winning the final three sets, 25-14, 25-19 and 25-19.

"We came out a little flat in the beginning," said head coach Ian Blanchard, "but we played through it and played excellent after that. We adjusted very well and I thought we defended their serve really well after the first set." 

UMBC hit .328 as a team for the match, with four players reaching double-digit kills. Freshman Iman Kennedy (Charlotte, N.C./Independence) hit a blistering .769 with 10 kills on only 13 swings to lead the Retrievers, whileBridget Scheetz (St. Louis, Mo./Ursuline Academy) hit 12 kills on 17 attacks. 

"Iman was ridiculously good for us today and Bridget also attacked the ball really well for us," said Blanchard. "I'm really proud of our girls with how we've played through injuries and lineup changes and they've never let any of that stuff get in our way."

Redshirt freshman Sarah Hill (Richmond, Va./L.C. Bird) was outstanding at net as well, earning seven assisted blocks while hitting .391 with 12 kills. Freshman Alyssa Lang (Richmond, Va./Deep Run) added her 10th double-double of the season team-high 13 kills and 13 digs. 

With the regular season now over, Blanchard and the Retrievers can look ahead to the America East Tournament. 

"All we have to do is go on a run of two matches, and I think we are in position to do that," said Blanchard.