Delaware State Snaps MSU's Streak, 70-65

DOVER, Del. – Jay Threat hit two free throws and Casey Walker drained a 3-pointer in the final moments to help Delaware State snap the Bears' 3-game winning streak with a 70-65 victory Saturday night before a packed crowd at Memorial Hall.

The Bears (8-8, 4-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) hadn't lost to Delaware State since a 56-53 overtime setback on March 9, 2007 at the semifinals of the MEAC Tournament, during Todd Bozeman's first year at the helm for Morgan State. From there, they went on to win three MEAC regular season titles, two MEAC tournament titles and two NCAA tournament appearances.

The loss also marked the first conference road loss suffered by the Bears since losing to Hampton on Feb. 23, 2009.

DSU men finally beat Morgan State

DOVER, DE -- Trevor Welcher had been the only player on the Delaware State men's basketball team who remembered what it felt like to defeat two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Morgan State.

That last happened March 9, 2007, in the conference tournament.

Welcher now has plenty of company in what had been an exclusive club after freshman forward Casey Walker drained a pivotal 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to spark Delaware State to a dramatic 60-55 triumph over the Bears on Saturday.

DSU women falter against Morgan State

DOVER, DE -- Things can't get much more frustrating for coach Ed Davis and his Delaware State women's basketball team. The Hornets, who went more than nine minutes without scoring in the first half against Morgan State on Saturday, clawed their way back to within three points with 2:08 left.

That was as close as Delaware State would get as critical turnovers burned the Hornets down the stretch in a 51-44 loss to the Bears in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game. Davis, whose team suffered its third consecutive loss to fall to 5-12 overall, 1-4 in the MEAC, was left searching for answers.

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DSU womens basketball

• DSU mens basketball

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Lady DSU Hornets Go to Overtime to Defeat UMES

Dover, Del. --- Tasia Bristow came off the bench to lead five Delaware State players in double figures with 15 points in the Lady Hornets' 74-69 overtime victory against Maryland-Eastern Shore in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's basketball contest in Memorial Hall Thursday evening.

DSU won for the third time in four games to improve to 5-9 overall and 1-1 in the MEAC. The Lady Hawks fell to 3-11 and 0-2. Kianna D'Oliveira and Brittany Washington had 12 points each, while Kianna Conner tallied 11 and Ashley Thompson 10 for the Lady Hornets.

Latoya Buckner scored a game-high 20 points to lead UMES. Buckner's performance included 5-of-5 shooting from three-point territory. Casey Morton and Shanyce Stewart had 12 points each for the Lady Hawks.

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Clemson Cruises Past Delaware State, 76-41

Jerai Grant scored 15 points to lead a balanced Clemson attack Monday night as the Tigers cruised past Delaware State 76-41.



Clemson Tigers crush Delaware State Hornets

Grant scored 15 while also dishing out five assists while Milton Jennings added 11 points and nine rebounds.
Delaware State trailed 12-11 with 12 minutes left in the first half before the Tigers responded with an 18-0 run over the next five minutes of play.

“It was a really good win for our guys. I thought we played really efficient basketball," head coach Brad Brownell said afterwards. "I talked to our team about playing with basketball sureness tonight—making the extra pass, sharing the ball, being strong, meeting passes, and limiting turnovers.

"We were facing a team that plays a bunch of different defenses and tries to make you get out of rhythm. They go trap at different times. I think our guys showed good poise.”

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Delaware State stands in the way of Pittsburgh's 10-0

Although the 9-0 University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball team has yet to face a Big East opponent, head coach Jamie Dixon stressed that the nonconference schedule is not to be overlooked.

“I don’t think there is anything easy about our schedule,” Dixon said. “Just because we’re beating teams by a large margin doesn’t mean they’re easy. It means we played well.”

The Panthers frequently play well in nonconference contests, as they’ve won their last 53 such games at home, including their most recent win against Rider on Saturday. No. 3 Pitt executed its game plan en route to an 87-68 victory this weekendand will look to continue those efforts as it hosts the Delaware State Hornets tonight at the Petersen Events Center.

Delaware State, a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, boasts two outstanding freshmen players who will be a primary focus for the Panthers’ defense. Casey Walker and Desi Washington combined for 37 points, including eight 3-pointers, in the Hornets’ most recent 75-56 victory over Maine.

No. 3 Men's Basketball Hosts Delaware State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET

Contest will be broadcast on the internet on ESPN3.com; Pitt is 17-0 all-time vs. MEAC schools; owns an 81-1 record vs. non-conference opponents at the Petersen Events Center.

GAME 10: DELAWARE STATE (4-3, 1-0 MEAC) at #3 PITT (9-0, 0-0 Big East)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 • 7 p.m. ET
Petersen Events Center (12,508) • Pittsburgh, Pa.
Television: ESPN3.com (John Sanders and Anthony Buford; Producer: Matt McCandlish).

The Coaches: Pitt: Jamie Dixon, 12th year at Pitt, 8th year as head coach (197-54); Delaware State: Greg Jackson, 20th year at Delaware State (323-228), 20th year overall (323-228).
Rankings: Pitt: AP-3; ESPN-3. Delaware State: AP-NR; ESPN: NR.

Series: Pitt and Delaware State meet for the third time with Pitt leading with a 2-0 record. The last time the two schools met was on November 14, 2006, a 67-50 Pitt win at the Petersen Events Center. Pitt is 17-0 all-time vs. the MEAC (Coppin St. 3-0, Delaware St. 2-0, Florida A&M 1-0, Howard 3-0, Maryland Eastern Shore 1-0, Morgan St. 2-0, Norfolk St. 2-0, North Carolina A&T 3-0).

 Delaware State Basketball 

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Finney: In Lavan, Delaware State cuts loose a man who put Hornets back together

We live in a stinky world where we only care about the "W."

It is easy to sympathize with Al Lavan, who discovered he was fired as coach of Delaware State's football team on Thursday morning. That's because Lavan has poured his heart and soul into turning the Hornets into a consistent contender in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference since he took over the football program back in 2004.

In fact, he was originally supposed to be the coach -- the first major hire by then-university president Dr. Allen Sessoms -- who would spearhead the Hornets' move to Division I-A football, where Sessoms harbored dreams of playing the Notre Dames, Floridas and Penn States of the world at a new 30,000-plus seat stadium in Dover.

Upon his hiring, Dr. Hallie Gregory, who was then DSU's athletic director, said, "[Lavan's] got a lot of NFL and Division I experience. With his background...

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Delaware State Releases Head Football Coach

DOVER, Del. - Delaware State University Athletics Director Derek Carter announced December 2, 2010 that, effective immediately, Al Lavan will not be retained in the capacity of head football coach.

The DSU athletics director said after three consecutive losing seasons, "it is time for a change." Carter added that current defensive coordinator Rayford Petty has been appointed as the team's interim head coach.

"While we can note that there have been some successes during the Lavan era - most notably the 2007 conference championship - the team has not been as competitive following that accomplishment as we believe it should have been," Carter said.

The Al Lavan era included a 63-6 loss at Michigan on Oct 17, 2009, before 106,304 fans. In order to play the Michigan "money game" for $550,000, DSU forfeited a MEAC scheduled league game against North Carolina A&T-- for a rare two defeat day.

"While we hope to build on what we have seen is possible for the Hornet football program, presently we have determined that we need to move the team in a new direction," the DSU athletic director said. "We thank Coach Lavan for the dedication he has exhibited over these seven years."

Lavan ends his DSU tenure with a record of 41-36. His best coaching season took place in 2007 when he led DSU to a championship 8-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record (10-2 overall), which earned the team its first-ever post-season appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Over the last three seasons under Lavan, the Hornets had a combined record of 12-20, which included the recently concluded 2010 season record of 3-8.

Carter said a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations

Delaware State Hornets football: Lavan shocked by firing

Lavan ends DSU era with 41-36 record 

DOVER, DE -- Over the past seven seasons, Al Lavan took Delaware State University's football team to heights it had never known. But the depths of the past three seasons cost Lavan his job Thursday when athletic director Derek Carter announced the head coach had been fired.

"It is time for a change," Carter said. "It's hard anytime you have to make these decisions, but you have to look at the big picture in trying to make the right decision."

Lavan said the move surprised him. "It was not on my mind at all," Lavan said. "I heard it [Thursday] morning for first time. It was unexpected."

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Delaware State University: NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS-ACTION SETTLEMENT AND HEARING

TIME SENSITIVE: FAIRNESS HEARING SCHEDULED DECEMBER 20, 2010 AT 3:00 p.m.

ATTENTION: ALL CURRENT, PROSPECTIVE, AND FUTURE FEMALE STUDENTS OF DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY WHO PARTICIPATE, SEEK TO PARTICIPATE, OR HAVE BEEN DETERRED OR PREVENTED FROM PARTICIPATING IN DELAWARE STATE VARSITY ATHLETICS

PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY AS IT ADDRESSES A LAWSUIT THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS.

I. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this notice is to inform you of a proposed settlement in a pending class action lawsuit brought against Delaware State University (“DSU”) on behalf of all present and future female students of DSU (including currently enrolled female students, female students admitted for the 2010-11 academic year, and prospective female students) who participate, seek to participate, or have been deterred or prevented from participating in, or obtaining the benefits of, intercollegiate athletics at DSU. A class-action settlement, which must be approved by the Court, was reached in this class action, which is captioned or otherwise referred to as Foltz, et al. v. Delaware State University, Civil Action No. 10-149 (LPS) (D. Del.), and which is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (the “Litigation”).

The plaintiff class in the Litigation alleges that DSU violated, and is continuing to violate, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-88 (“Title IX”) by: (1) failing to provide equitable athletic opportunities for its female students (“Participation Claims”); and (2) failing to provide equal recruitment resources to women’s varsity athletic teams (“Recruitment Claims”).

The proposed settlement (the “Settlement”) resolves these claims.

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The DSU Equestrian Team legal action prevails and the parties agree to a Settlement Agreement, whereas,  DSU does not admit any fault or wrongdoing. The District Court ratification of the Agreement is expected December 20, 2010, or soon thereafter.

Howard vs. Delaware State

1 p.m. at Greene Stadium. Records: Bison 1-9, 0-7 MEAC; Hornets 2-8, 1-6.

Offensive explosion: Terry Bradden was named MEAC rookie of the week after his impressive performance against Bethune-Cookman. Bradden threw for 299 yards on 15-of-31 passing. He had three touchdown passes and one interception. Willie Carter caught four passes for 117 yards and a touchdown, while Daley Gunter had four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. It was the first time in 10 years that Howard had two receivers with more than 100 yards in the same game.

Turning it over: No MEAC team has more difficulty holding on to the ball this season than Howard.

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Videographer: 8to5pros 25 videos

Branche runs wild as NSU cruises to easy home win

NORFOLK, VA - After his second touchdown run, running back DeAngelo Branche placed his hands on his hips and straightened his back, stretching his lungs for air. His 15-yard score down the right sideline with 11:38 to play in the second quarter was his second consecutive run. Earlier in the drive, he'd carried three straight times, including a 10-yard run that featured a cutback from one side of the field to the other.

But before Branche, chest still heaving, took a break and a seat alongside the rest of the skill players, he paced in front of the offensive line's bench, bumping fists with the five men that led the way. "You know we don't get the glory," left tackle Kendall Noble said. "It shows he appreciates what we're doing for him."



Branche Leads Senior Day Victory over Delaware State

The Spartans ended their last home game of the season in style as they beat the Delaware State Hornets 31-21 at Dick Price Stadium.

Emotions were running high with the game against the Hornets being Senior Day. The Spartans have 20 seniors on the roster with 10 of them starting in the game and many of them had an impact in the victory.

NSU's offense was dominated by running the ball with senior DeAngelo Branche having a career-high 212 rushing yards on 30 carries. He also eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the season. Three of his runs were touchdowns and he was relentless every time he got the ball. His last carry was the most crucial being a 40-yard touchdown run putting the game away for the Spartans. Branche wasn't the only running back playing well as senior Donovan Cotton had 13 carries for 72 yards and one catch for 21 yards.

Hurry-up offense too much for DSU

NORFOLK, Va. -- The Delaware State football team hasn't matched up particularly well with any opponent this season, but its depth chart made Saturday's visit to Norfolk State seem like a destined defeat.

The Hornets, with just four healthy defensive linemen, faced a Spartans offense with a rugged runner and strong offensive line that had just installed a hurry-up offense. Delaware State was rushed all over by the Spartans, getting outgained 310-54 on the ground in a 31-21 road loss.

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ATTENDANCE: 6181



Videographer: godsquadtkd1

Williams shakes off three interceptions, rallies Morgan State past Delaware State, 34-24

Morgan State quarterback Delonte Williams had already thrown three interceptions, two of which resulted in Delaware State touchdowns, when he calmly walked into the huddle with just over three minutes left in the game. Williams said that even though the Bears were down by three, they'd be just fine.

The redshirt freshman then directed an 85-yard drive, capped by his 34-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Hendrix with 20 seconds left. Sheldon Jacques added another touchdown on a 2-yard fumble return as time ran out to give Morgan State a 34-24 victory in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game Saturday before an announced 14,312 at Hughes Stadium.

Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley liked how his team overcame adversity on the last drive.

In seconds, DSU Hornets squanders victory

BALTIMORE, MD -- Delaware State has struggled all season when it comes to stopping the opponent in the fourth quarter. Saturday saw that problem reach a new extreme. With time winding down, Morgan State overcame a fourth-and-10 from its own 15-yard line and rallied for 13 points in the final 20 seconds to pull off a 34-24 victory in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game.

"That's why you have to play for every snap that's required in a football game," DSU head coach Al Lavan said. "It's not a mystery as to what happened. It's very clear as to what happened -- we didn't make enough plays when we were given the opportunity to."

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huevoicesdotcom captures sights and sounds from Morgan State's 2010 Homecoming game. Check out Bobby Marvin's blog site at:  http://www.huevoices.com
huevoicesdotcom is a blog that provides news,one on one interviews, features, and commentary on the African-American community of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Coastal Carolina-Delaware State breakdown‎

Series | Tied 1-1
Weather | 84 degrees with clear skies

Injuries | Coastal: LB E.J. Brown (knee) and RB Travis Small (thigh) are questionable; DE Jamel Davis (thumb), LB Andrae Jacobs (head), S Marcus Lott (thigh) are probable; OL Steve Simpson (knee) is doubtful; DE Quinton Davis (ankle) and David Hall (knee) are out. Delaware State: n/a.
Key number: 1
Delaware State returned only one full-time defensive starter from a team that finished 4-7 last season.
Key matchup

Delaware State's Larrone Moore vs. Coastal Carolina's Josh Norman (and friends). Moore is the Hornets' top offensive weapon, averaging 97 receiving yards per game. Look for Delaware State to try to get Moore heavily involved. Coastal would be wise to have Norman (eight interceptions last season) shadow him.

Less size allows growth for DSU's Green

DOVER, DE -- Kevin Green was ranked by one scouting service among the top 40 linebackers in the country when he signed to play football at Purdue in 2007. But even though he grew up in Chicago, something just didn't feel quite right for the 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker in West Lafayette, Ind.

"I wasn't really getting treated right there," Green said. "I was talking to a couple of the players and they said, 'We'd like you to stay here, but you've got to do what you've got to do for yourself.' "

So, rather than playing in front of 62,500 at Purdue's Ross-Ade Stadium, Green says he is just as happy playing before 4,000 fans at DSU's Alumni Stadium.

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Speed sets Delaware State receiver apart

Delaware State University wide receivers coach Curt Thomas thinks highly of Hyattsville native and Northwestern High School graduate Larrone Moore.

In fact, Thomas said Moore holds a unique place among Hornets' players historically. "He flat out may be faster than any receiver that has come through Delaware State in the last 25 years," said Thomas, who recruited Moore out of high school. "He's probably the fastest ever. One thing you can't coach is flat-out speed. Sky's the limit for this kid. He can continue his career beyond Delaware State. Scouts have been watching him the last three seasons."

Moore has put his speed on display early...

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DSU, Florida A&M both seek first win

DOVER, DE -- Both Delaware State University and Florida A&M lost their season openers last week.

For the Hornets, it was a second-half breakdown that led to a 37-27 loss to Southern. For FAMU, it was a 45-0 rout at the hands of national power Miami. So both will be eager to get their seasons headed in the right direction in tonight's match-up between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rivals at Alumni Stadium.

Hornets defensive lineman Andre Caroll set a career high with 13 tackles against Southern. He cannot wait to get back onto the football field. "Honestly, I was really heartbroken after that game," Caroll said. "I felt like we all played hard, we just messed up on the little things. Then in the fourth quarter I think we all got tired and that Florida sun really took a toll on us. Fatigue set in.

Delaware State looks to come of age quickly

DOVER, Del. — With his Delaware State football team having just three seniors on offense, Al Lavan still isn't too sure about the character of the Hornets. But he insists his younger players don't have much time to show how good they could become.

"We are evolving into a maturing football team," Lavan said as he prepared DSU to face Florida A&M today. "We've got a very young squad in most areas. We've got a couple of positions and personnel that have played a little bit, but overall it's a mixture. We will just have to grow up fast and become more resilient and tougher mentally."

FAMU to mix it up in the return game »

Florida A&M will mix and match instead of relying on one returner as it did during the past two seasons when LeRoy Vann ran his way into the NCAA and school record books. Jerral Stewart came out of spring camp as Vann's successor for both kick and punt returns, but coach Joe Taylor has decided to capitalize on the speed of University of Florida transfer receiver T.J. Lawrence. He will take the punt return job while Stewart will return kickoffs.

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Explosive 4th Quarter gives Southern 37-27 win over Delaware State

Orlando, FL - With a national television audience looking along, Southern University kicked off its regular season Sunday with an explosive fourth quarter win under new coach Stump Mitchell against Delaware State. A fourth quarter rally with back-to-back-to-back touchdowns gave Southern the lead and win. The score of Mitchell's first game was Southern, 37; Delaware State, 27.

The Jaguars faced Delaware State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., that aired on ESPN. Freshman quarterback Dray Joseph picked up his first collegiate touchdown with 8 minutes to play in the game to bring the score to 23 to 27 with Delaware State still leading at that point.









WATCH REPLAY: Southern vs. Delaware State

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Pro Football HOF Mel Blount, Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams among Honorees for Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legends Reception

Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount (Southern University) and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams (Grambling State University) lead a group of six honorees who will be recognized at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legends Reception at the Ballroom of the Americas at Disney’s Contemporary Hotel, near Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. ET. Also to be saluted as Legends: Author Omar Tyree (Howard University), U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Zeita Merchant (Tougaloo College), Kellogg’s Senior Vice President of Global Nutrition/Corporate Affairs Celeste Clark (Southern University), and former NFL linebacker and seven-time Pro Bowl player Robert Brazile (Jackson State University).

The reception will honor individuals who graduated from a Historically Black College or University. Each honoree will receive an HBCU Trailblazer Award in recognition of the impact made in his or her respective career and community. ESPN sportscaster Jay Harris will co-host the festivities alongside motivational speaker Trey Godfrey.

The Legends Reception will precede the sixth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, which will feature a college football matchup between the SWAC’s Southern University and the MEAC’s Delaware State University. The game will kick off Sunday, Sept. 5, at noon at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando and will be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN HD, as well as ESPN3.com.

“It’s fitting that the MEAC/SWAC Challenge acknowledges the legacy of those who paved the way for the future leaders who will graduate from historically black colleges and universities,” said Nikki Godfrey, executive director of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. “We are thrilled to host this ceremony, which will continue to grow and make our event even more special.”

Individual tickets for the game are available through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or via www.ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase travel packages through Anthony Travel’s website or by calling 1-888-632-6951. For more information about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and for access to its Facebook page, please visit the official website: www.meacswacchallenge.com . Fans can also stay up to date on the event via Twitter: www.twitter.com/MEAC_SWAC .

About the MEAC/SWAC Challenge

Each year, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is played at a neutral site within the footprint of one of the conferences. The week of the game includes ancillary events, highlighted by an annual high school career panel, the Halftime Battle of the Bands and the Legends Reception. The MEAC leads the series 4-1. Teams for future games are determined on an annual basis.

No more mud at the Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium

Premium quality Astroturf is being laid at the stadium. Orlando Venues Executive Director Alan Johnson said the carpet is laid from sideline to sideline, then sewn together by a special machine. "We're excited about this surface," he said. It gives the stadium operators more flexibility to host events like concerts, monster trucks and motorcross.

On Wednesday, the turf was already laid and pallets of sand and tiny rubber bits in large sacks were waiting to be installed. The infill gives the grass a more natural feel. The million dollar installation is expected to be done by the end of August. The first game played will be the MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Southern University and Delaware State, Johnson said.

Slideshow: See: Citrus Bowl's New Astroturf



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Delaware State Hornets football: Jones stepped in, stepped up

DOVER, DE -- The running back position for Delaware State University proved to be an express route to the hospital last year. While the three tailbacks above him on the depth chart suffered injuries, somehow Jaashawn Jones remained healthy and started the Hornets' final four games. In eight games, Jones powered his way to a team-high 632 yards on 151 carries (4.2 yards per carry) to rank fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with a rushing average of 79 yards per game.

This season, Jones, a redshirt junior from Asbury Park, N.J., is atop the DSU depth chart at running back. "You just work hard. You've got to push," said Jones, a 6-foot-1, 220 pounder. "If you don't push then nothing's going to come to you, basically. You've got to go and get everything you can in life. "I think I've got a nice combination of vision, power and speed -- just a little bit of everything."

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LaSalle Volleyball Adds Cassandra Joyner To Coaching Staff

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Former Delaware State University volleyball standout Cassandra Joyner joins the La Salle volleyball staff as an assistant coach, announced head coach Dave Stever. Joyner, a 2010 graduate of Delaware State with a major in Psychology, became the school's first player to reach 1,000 kills and ended her career with 1,272 winners to go along with 888 career digs and 310 career blocks.

"I appreciate this opportunity to be part of the LaSalle University Explorers volleyball staff, working hand-in-hand with Coach Stever and the student-athletes," Joyner said. "I am looking forward to working with the team and helping the players see their potential and execute to their highest level."

A four-year letter winner and team captain, Joyner led the Hornets in kills, blocks and digs in both 2008 and 2009. A two-time All-MEAC first team selection, Joyner finished third in the MEAC in points (4.13 pg), fourth in kills (3.32 pg) and sixth in hitting percentage (.283) during her final season with the Hornets. In 2009, she helped her team set several school records, as well as a 20-13 overall record, including an 8-2 mark in the MEAC.

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DSU's only veteran starting defender ready to lead young team

DOVER, DE -- Andre Caroll checks in at around 280 pounds.

This season, he'll be carrying much more weight for the Delaware State University football team. Caroll, a defensive tackle, is the only returning defensive player who started in all 10 games for the Hornets, who went 4-7 overall, 3-5 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, last season. The Hornets open their season in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Southern University in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 5.

Caroll, a 6-foot-2, redshirt senior, welcomed the challenge as the DSU players began preseason practice at Alumni Stadium on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon. "A lot of guys on this team are young, especially on the defensive side of the ball, so being able to get us together is going to take us being able to trust one another," Caroll said. "That's one thing we really didn't have last year. There were just a lot of individuals out there."

Ray Petty, DSU's defensive coordinator, is entering his fourth season with the Hornets. "He's the best player we have on our team right now, on both sides of the ball," Petty said of Caroll. "He had an outstanding junior year and he worked hard in the offseason. He's one of those guys who leads by example with the things he does on and off the field.

PHOTO GALLERIES

• DSU preseason practice

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Delaware State Hornets Kicks Off 2010 Football Camp

Dover, DE --- Delaware State University's 2010 summer football camp is underway. About 85 players spent today moving into their rooms, attending meetings and being welcomed by among others, DSU President Harry Williams and athletic director Derek Carter. After a picture taking session Wednesday morning, the 2010 Hornets will hit the field for the first time. The players will be put through a run test tomorrow morning and take part in their first official practice in the evening.

Although the Hornets return their starting quarterback, best rusher, top two receivers and leading tackler from last season, there will be a number of new faces at other key positions this year. Delaware State expects to return just seven starters and 32 letter winners from last season. The defense is most critically hit, with just one starter and nine others on the 2009 two-deep returning. The offensive line must replace three starters, while the Hornets will also feature newcomers at punter and placekicker this season.

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