WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University struggled to produce an offensive effort against a Wake Forest defense that earned 41 digs and 11 blocks to defeat the Eagles in three-sets (25-16, 25-18, 25-16) on Tuesday (Nov. 9) in Winston-Salem, N.C.

As a team the Eagles amassed 25 kills, 30 digs, six service aces and three blocks on the night.

NCCU setter Jzima-Malaki Kalao gave all she could to keep her offense flowing, distributing 22 assists. The freshman contributed to the defensive effort with seven digs.

Defensive specialist Raven King led the defensive endeavor with 10 digs.

The Wake Forest block kept the Eagles in single-digit kills. NCCU senior Belinda Behncke-Biney paced the offense with eight kills on 28 attempts.  Middle hitter Sashalee Wallen followed Behncke-Biney with four kills and a pair of service aces.

NCCU juniors Maritsann Sinclair and Alexis John, along with freshman Kalin Russell each earned three kills. Sinclair added six digs to the evening.

The Demon Deacons had three players hit above .500 to contribute to their .330 hitting percentage with 42 kills and only 12 errors. The Wake Forest offense was led by Carlin Salmon with a .667 hitting percentage and 11 kills, while assisting on four blocks. Andrea Beck followed with nine kills.

Wake Forest senior setter Kelsey Jones had 37 assists and 12 digs. Megan Thornberry anchored the Demon Deacons defense with 16 digs.

The Eagles drop to 9-24 on the season, while Wake Forest improves to 16-10.

NCCU will close out the 2010 season in Dover, Del., against Delaware State on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

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.