DURHAM, N.C. – The long-standing rivalry continues Wednesday, Oct. 6 as North Carolina Central University travels to Greensboro, N.C., to face North Carolina A&T State University in an Eagle-Aggie battle for bragging rights in volleyball action at the Ellis F. Corbett Sports Center. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
Wednesday will mark the first meeting of the season between the Eagles and the Aggies as NCCU looks to jump back on the winning track with a 4-18 mark coming into the match. The Aggies have struggled this season as they are currently suffering from a six-match losing skid that has left them 2-19 on the year.
NCCU has suffered some struggles of its own, having lost four of its last five matches. The Eagles have four wins under their wings with victories over Delaware State, The Citadel, South Carolina State and Coppin State. As they soar into Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) action, the Eagles look to take control of the conference.
The Eagles have faced five MEAC opponents so far this season with battles against Coppin State, Delaware State, Hampton, Maryland Eastern Shore and South Carolina State. Unfortunately, NCCU has struggled against their fellow members as they currently stand with a 3-5 mark against the MEAC this season.
NCCU enters Wednesday’s match-up with a 4-18 record following a 1-2 finish at the Peaky’s North South UMES Hawk Invitational, which was hosted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Their victory came against the Coppin State Eagles, where they swept them, 3-0, by scores of 25-19, 25-23 and 28-26 in the W.P. Hytche Center.
The Eagles are anchored by senior outside hitter Belinda Behncke-Biney, who has been a huge threat on the offensive side of the net. The Hamburg, Germany, native leads the team in four categories with 244 kills, averaging 3.30 per set, 747 total attempts, 27 service aces and 283.5 points, while standing second in digs with 125 on the season. She has also notched three All-Tournament Team honors.
Contributing to the success of Behncke-Biney is freshman setter Jzima-Malaki Kalao, who has two All-Tournament Team honors of her own. She has dished 537 of the Eagles’ 599 assists, and has been a major contributor on defense with 116 digs and 24 blocks. Junior middle hitter Sashalee Wallen has stepped up her game this season and has become a threat on both sides of the net with 78 kills and a team-high 60 blocks.
Showing her strength on the net and contributing to the consistent blocking game of the Eagles is freshman Kalin Russell with 46 blocks. Leading NCCU’s defensive efforts is junior defensive specialist Raven King with 197 digs. She is assisted by Behncke-Biney with 125 digs and Kalao with 116. The trio combines for 438 of the Eagles’ 781 digs. Junior outside hitter Alexis John accounts for 106 digs.
As a team, the Eagles are hitting .082 with 667 kills and averaging 9.01 per set. They have totaled 599 assists, while dropping in 92 service aces. Defensively, they have notched 781 digs and 137.0 blocks.
North Carolina A&T looks to snap a six-match losing streak as they stand with a 2-19 record with both of its wins coming against Savanna State. They enter Wednesday’s action following a 3-1 loss to Navy. They have just one student-athlete hitting above .100 on the year and they have struggled to find their offense.
Leading the way for the Aggies is Jeana Daniels, who averages 1.55 kills per set and is hitting .056 on the season. She leads the team in four categories with 101 kills, a 1.55 kill average, 357 total attempts and 52 blocks, showing her versatility on both sides of the net.
North Carolina A&T’s offensive threat is Andrea Evens with a .116 clip, while Amber Inman has proved to be a true competitor and an all-around player for the Aggies as she leads the team in assists, service aces and digs with 354, 22 and 120, respectively. Her counterpart on defense is Tatiana Cooper with 100 digs. Evans also contributes significantly on defense with 37 blocks, including 12 solo.
As a team, the Aggies have amassed 425 kills, averaging 6.44 a set, 389 assists and 81 service aces. Defensively, they have notched 616 digs and 90.5 blocks this season.
NCCU looks to end its losing drought this week as they face-off with fellow MEAC member and rival North Carolina A&T in a hard fought battle that never seems to disappoint fans. The Eagles hope to claim bragging rights and improve to 5-18 on the year as they travel to Greensboro.
For more information on Eagle Volleyball or for up-to-date scores and statistics, visit the official website of NCCU Athletic at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.
