Maryland Volleyball closed out its non-conference schedule with a tremendous performance at the Cavalier Classic, winning all three of its matches over the weekend. 

The Terps came into the weekend with a 6-3 record after concluding a three-game road trip in San Diego, California. Maryland won two games in California but dropped the third game to Arizona. 

The Terps continue to boast a tremendous defense, ranking first in the nation in blocks. The defensive leader, Rainelle Jones, leads the Terps in blocks with 55. Those 55 blocks ranked Jones fourth in  NCAA heading into the weekend.

Maryland looked to bring its high-powered defense into their first matchup against Mercer. 

Mercer came into the game with a 4-5 record after losing their last match in a sweep to Stetson University. This game was the first between the two programs ever.

The first set started strong for the Terps, as they jumped out to a four-point lead. Maryland held that lead throughout most of the set until Mercer battled back to tie it at 19. Back-to-back kills by Anastasia Russ propelled Maryland to a win in the set, 25-22.

Maryland came out firing in the second set. The Terps quickly amounted a six-point lead via a 5-0 scoring run. The Terps held control and won the set 25-17.

The third set was a tight contest throughout, with neither team able to gain much of a lead. Maryland started to track momentum, but Mercer continued to battle. Mercer finished the comeback campaign by winning the set 25-22.

The Terps started the fourth set on a 3-0 run. That lead continued to grow throughout the set. Maryland used a 6-0 scoring run late to secure their first victory of Friday, winning the match, 3-1. 

The match portrayed the Terps’ dominant defense, with the team recording 18 total blocks. Rainelle Jones made her mark in Maryland history, moving to number two all-time on Maryland’s total blocks rankings. 

Jones’ effect on this team isn’t just in the record books, but also in her leadership.

“She’s been a phenomenal leader this year,” said Sydney Dowler. 

The Terps looked to carry the momentum from their first victory into their second matchup against East Carolina, who lost to Virginia earlier in the day.  

The first set was close from the start, with no team able to gain more than a three-point lead. That changed when Maryland went on a 5-0 scoring run in the middle of the set. The Terps rode that scoring run to a set win, 25-21.

East Carolina came out on fire to start the second set. The Pirates earned seven of the first nine points to grab an early lead. That didn’t deter the Terps, as they battled all the way back to take the lead 16-15. That lead would hold, as the Terps won set two, 25-22. 

Maryland started the third set by jumping out to an early seven-point lead. The Terps were in control of the set the whole way, winning 25-13 and completing the sweep of East Carolina.  

Maryland was again dominant on Friday, continuing a trend of winning on Fridays. 

The Terps are 8-0 on games played on a Friday this year. 

Maryland’s defense was dominant throughout the day, amassing 26 blocks and holding their opponents under a .200 hitting percentage. The offense looked like it made some strides, with the Terps hitting at a .362 clip against East Carolina.

Maryland looked to take their offensive improvements into their Saturday matchup against a long-time foe, Virginia. Virginia came into the game after winning both their matchups on Friday. 

The first set was a close contest early, but the Terps gained a three-point lead toward the middle of the set. A late 5-0 scoring run helped seal the win for the Terps, 25-19.

Virginia came out in the second set and jumped to an early 9-4 lead. The lead didn’t affect Maryland as they continued to battle and eventually earned a one-point lead late in the set. That Terps then used a 4-0 scoring run that secured a 25-20 set victory.

The third set was a close contest, with both teams trading points. Maryland gained a little separation towards the middle of the set via a 3-0 scoring run. The separation was enough for Maryland as the Terps clinched a 3-0 sweep of Virginia.

The Terps continued their dominance on the defensive end throughout the weekend, combining for 39 blocks and holding all opponents under a .200 hitting percentage. 

Maryland also showed improvement in out-of-system situations, something Coach Adam Hughes was proud to see.

“The one thing I’m really proud of is the group has done a good job of realizing it’s a team skill, you know, what I mean by that is, it’s tough to take some of those out of system swings you got to be kind of brave,” said Hughes. 

The other bright spot for Maryland was the return of Gem Grimshaw. Grimshaw appeared in both games on Friday, racking up three kills against Mercer. 

“We wanted to get here out there to see if we could get a little confidence up, and I think she’s glad that she got out there and at least put the jersey on,” said Hughes. 

The next challenge for Maryland comes when they start Big Ten play Friday against No. 25 ranked Illinois.