NCCU vs. UNCG - Match Notes
DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University volleyball team returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 1 when they open regular-season competition against the University of North Carolina at Greensboro at 6 p.m. in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Wednesday will mark the third meeting between NCCU and UNCG.
Wednesday will kick-off the NCCU Fan Fanatic Contest, where Eagle fans will have the opportunity to win a NCCU Volleyball Fan Pack. Game cards will be available during the match. For each home match attended, a stamp will be placed on the game card. The NCCU fans that attend all six home matches will have the chance to enter his/her card into a drawing for a chance to win the NCCU Volleyball Fan Pack.
UNCG holds a 2-0 advantage over NCCU in the series with their last meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 in Greensboro, N.C. The Eagles tallied 23 errors, which proved to be costly, as UNCG rode a .317 hitting percentage to defeat the Eagles, 3-0, in Fleming Gymnasium. NCCU fell by scores of 25-13, 25-10 and 25-14.
The Eagles return to action after notching a 1-4 mark at the fourth annual Hilton RTP/NCCU Volleyball Tournament this weekend, where they concluded tournament play with a thrilling 3-1 win over Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foe Delaware State University, giving NCCU its first win of the season and its first win against the Hornets. The Eagles look to continue their winning streak as they face the flaming hot Spartans.
NCCU is led by the power hitting of senior outside hitter Belinda Behncke-Biney, who earned a double-double and recorded double-digit kills in 3-of-5 matches this weekend. The Hamburg, Germany, native notched 49 kills to lead to an All-Tournament Team honor. She is hitting .059 and has served a team-high six aces.
Her partner in crime is freshman setter Jzima-Malaki Kalao, who earned her first career All-Tournament Team honor after grabbing 112 assists, while collecting 21 digs and contributing five blocks in her collegiate debut. The Bubendorf, Switzerland, native is hitting .143 on the season and has one service ace.
The Eagles are hitting .038 on the season with 151 kills and have totaled 186 digs and 29 blocks on the defensive end. Leading the Eagles’ defensive efforts are junior defensive specialist Raven King with 43 digs and senior outside hitter Shantel Moore and freshman middle hitter Kalin Russell with 12 blocks apiece.
UNCG has started the 2010 season on fire as they hold a perfect 4-0 mark following a weekend performance that earned them the Spartan Classic title and a Most Valuable Player and two All-Tournament Team honors. UNCG defeated Navy, Kent State, Norfolk State and Providence to take the crown.
The Spartans are hitting .228 on the season with 203 kills and have totaled 49 blocks in just four matches this season. Sophomore middle blocker Olivia Humphries leads the Spartan offense with a .258 clip and 40 kills. The Spartan Classic Most Valuable Player has also contributed on defense with 10 digs and 20 blocks.
UNCG returns eight student-athletes, including four starters, from the 2009 squad that went 17-14 overall, while claiming a 9-7 mark in conference play. They welcome seven newcomers to the UNCG program this year. The Spartans were tabbed to finish fourth place in the North Division this season by the SoCon head coaches.
For more information on Eagle Volleyball or for up-to-date scores and statistics, visit the official website of NCCU Athletics at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.
