Maryland Eastern Shore Faces Youngstown State in WNIT Second Round

Hawks look to extend historic postseason run against Penguins

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:04am

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The Maryland Eastern Shore women's basketball team, fresh off a landmark victory over Wake Forest in the WNIT first round, heads to Youngstown, Ohio, to face Youngstown State in the second round on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. UMES is making its first-ever postseason appearance, while Youngstown State is hosting its fifth WNIT game at the Beeghly Center.

Why it matters

This matchup represents a historic moment for both programs, as UMES seeks to extend its inaugural postseason run and Youngstown State aims to advance past its fifth WNIT appearance. The game also showcases the rise of two mid-major programs looking to make their mark on the national stage.

The details

UMES, led by second-year head coach Malikah Willis, is coming off a 59-48 upset of Wake Forest in the WNIT first round. Freshman guard Desi Taylor sparked the Hawks with 19 points, including five three-pointers, while senior forward Kaliya Perry recorded a double-double. Youngstown State, meanwhile, is led by sixth-year senior guard Casey Santoro, who averages 12.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Sophomore forward Sophia Gregory was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year.

  • The UMES-Youngstown State WNIT second-round game tips at 6:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
  • UMES defeated Wake Forest 59-48 in the WNIT first round on March 19, 2026.

The players

Malikah Willis

Head coach of the Maryland Eastern Shore women's basketball team, in her second year at the helm after an extensive career as an assistant at Georgia Tech, West Virginia, and Texas Tech.

Desi Taylor

Freshman guard for Maryland Eastern Shore, who scored a game-high 19 points in the WNIT first-round win over Wake Forest, including five three-pointers.

Kaliya Perry

Senior forward for Maryland Eastern Shore, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds against Wake Forest, and ranks among the MEAC leaders in rebounds and field goal percentage.

Casey Santoro

Sixth-year senior guard for Youngstown State, who averages 12.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, and is among the Horizon League leaders in several statistical categories.

Sophia Gregory

Sophomore forward for Youngstown State, who was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and also made the All-League Second Team and All-Defensive Team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.