Oct. 18, 2008

Final Stats

DURHAM, NC - The Eagles of North Carolina Central University dropped a heartbreaker to the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University at McLendon-McDougald Gym on Saturday. When the smoke cleared, BCU emerged with a 3-2 win over NCCU (25-16, 25-20, 21-25, 20-25, 15-13).

The match was an "edge of your seat" free for all, with both squads punching and counter punching their way through five sets and nearly two-and-a-half hours of thrilling volleyball action. NCCU put up a good fight and pushed the match into five sets with a rousing 25-20 win in game four. However, the Wildcats battled back in the last set and put NCCU away 15-13.

Bethune-Cookman got out of the gate quickly, as they captured set one (25-16). BCU out hit the Eagles in the first set with a hitting percentage of .241, while the Eagles hitting percentage was .000.

However, NCCU responded in set three. Maritsann Sinclair had an excellent night for the Eagles. "She came up big and got it done along with Nadia Hayes and Aqiyla Gomez," said NCCU Head Coach Georgette Crawford-Crooks.

Sets three and four were classics. Both teams left it all on the floor. NCCU and B-CU each fought off several set points, but it was the Eagles who showed the most resolve down the stretch to win.

In the fifth and deciding set, both teams had their chances. NCCU held a 10-8 lead and appeared to be on the verge of pulling out the victory. However, B-CU fought back to pull it out 15-13.

The Eagles were led by Hayes and Gomez who delivered 10 kills. NCCU got lots of help from Sinclair as well, as she collected eight kills for the evening.

Senior Rachel Lloyd had a 15 dig evening for the Eagles. Ashley Shade contributed 36 assists and six kills to the cause.

B-CU was led by Danielle Goodman had 12 kills. Julie Gibson and Chelle Ticeson each had 11 kills apiece.