Match Results

DOVER, DEL. – The North Carolina Central University women’s volleyball team refused to conclude the 2010 season without a fight on Friday (Nov.12), falling to the Hornets of Delaware State University in five-sets (25-21, 14-25, 25-18, 19-25, 7-15) in Dover, Del.

By the conclusion of the match, NCCU tied its season high blocking record with 13 blocks. Junior Sashalee Wallen paced the Eagles’ blocking game with seven block assists on the night. The middle hitter also contributed six kills to the offense and led the serving game with two service aces.

Senior Belinda Behncke-Biney closed out her career as an Eagle with 13 kills and kept the defensive game alive with 12 digs.

NCCU junior Maritann Sinclair returned as an offensive contributor earning 10 kills, her most recent double-digit kill performance since Oct. 24 against Bethune-Cookman at home. Sinclair followed Behncke-Biney’s defensive play with eight digs.

Freshman Kalin Russell wrapped up her freshman year with the third highest kills during the match with nine kills, four digs and four block assists. Fellow Eagle freshman Jzima-Malaki Kalao exhibited her second best offensive performance, distributing 44 assists. The German native also added seven digs and seven block assists to the night.

During the five-set match, the Eagles took set one and three with confidence. NCCU was successful during both sets by hitting above 60 percent. As a team, NCCU earned 49 kills, four service aces and 54 digs.

Delaware State reached the five-set win by hitting 57 percent on the night, earning 59 kills, 54 assists, seven service aces, 66 digs and six team blocks.

Erica Tajchman paced the Hornets offense with 16 kills. The outside hitter also led her team with three service aces. Sarah Wheatcroft trailed Tajchman’s efforts with 12 kills, a pair of services aces and 14 digs.

Delaware State setter Martina Ferrari stimulated the offensive play with 35 assists. Sonja Banicevic commanded the defense side of the Hornet’s game with 18 digs. 

The Eagles complete the 2010 season with a record of 9-25, earning the same number of wins as the 2009 season.

The Hornets end their regular season play with a record of 16-11, the MEAC program will travel to Baltimore, Md. for the MEAC Tournament on Nov. 18-20.

For more information on Eagles Volleyball or for up-to-date scores and statistics, visit the official website of NCCU Athletics at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.