Belinda Behnke-Biney

Women's Volleyball Reah Nicholson, Assistant Sports Information Director

EAGLES SWEPT 3-0 BY POWERFUL SPARTANS

Eagles tally five blocks in loss to UNC Greensboro

Box Score

Statistics        Photo Gallery

DURHAM, N.C.
– The powerful attack of the Spartans proved to be too much for the North Carolina Central University Eagles to stop as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro hammered a .303 clip to overpower NCCU, 3-0, in volleyball action Wednesday night at McDougald-McLendon Gym.

The Spartans continued their winning streak, extending their record to a perfect 5-0 on the season as they defeated the Eagles by scores of 25-17, 25-16 and 25-11. NCCU dropped to 1-5 on the season as they struggled against a powerful Spartan defense that forced 21 Eagle errors and allowed just two service aces.

Senior outside hitter Belinda Behncke-Biney led the Eagles’ offensive efforts with a team-high five kills and added seven digs on the defensive end. Junior transfer Emanuelle Santos made her NCCU debut, totaling four kills, while junior Sashalee Wallen collected four digs and added a block to her stat line.

Contributing to the Eagle offense was freshman setter Jzima-Malaki Kalao, who totaled 15 assists and had one of the Eagles’ two service aces. She contributed a .333 to the Eagles’ offensive game, being one of two NCCU student-athletes to hit above .300 in the match. Alexis John also hit above .300 with a .333 on the day.

Raven King anchored the Eagle defense with nine digs, followed by Behncke-Biney with seven. Senior Shantel Moore dominated the net game with four blocks, including a solo shot. The NCCU defense forced 12 Spartan errors and allowed just five service aces, while notching five total blocks and collecting 32 digs.

The Spartans caused trouble for the Eagles, using a balanced attack to take over the match as they recorded 39 kills and 39 assists. UNCG had four student-athletes hit above.300, including sophomore power hitter Olivia Humphries, who anchored the Spartan offense with a match-high eight kills and a .500 clip.

The hitting duo of Billi Baker and Ariel Newman added seven kills apiece, while Caley Redden and Karrian Chambers totaled six kills each. Chambers hammered a .750 on the offensive end, while Humphries left a .500 mark. Ari Lysacek collected 29 assists for the Spartans.

Defensively, the Spartans put on a powerful show with 44 digs and five blocks as defensive specialist Kellie Orewiler powered the defense with a match-high 12 digs, followed by Caley Redden with eight. On the net, senior Kayren Finney led the blocking game for UNCG with five block assists.

NCCU looks to rebound as they enjoy an eight-day break before traveling to Duke University to participate in the Duke Volleyball Invitational Tournament, which will take place Sept. 10-11 in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Eagles will have the opportunity to battle two top-50 programs in No. 4 Minnesota and No. 36 Duke, while also battling Delaware in the two-day event.

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.

Print Friendly Version