DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – The North Carolina Central University volleyball team is set to host the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m. in McDougald-McLendon as they continue a three-game homestand.

The two squads met earlier this season, with B-CU outlasting the Eagles in a four-set (25-19, 17-25, 25-22, 25-12) contest on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Daytona Beach, Fla.  NCCU looks to use its home court advantage to secure a win and even the season series.

The Eagles (3-22) return to action following a thrilling five-set (25-20,25-20,20-25,14-25,15-13) loss to USC Upstate on Wednesday, Nov. 2 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. 

NCCU senior and freshman duo Emanuelle Santos and Dayanna Arrufat not only scored in double-figures, but provided double-double performances on the night.  Santos paced the maroon and gray with 20 kills and 10 digs, while Arrufat amassed 17 kills and 12 digs.  Senior Shantel Moore concluded the double-figure outing with 14 kills.  Sophomore Jzima-Malaki Kalao delivered 55 assists among the squad, as Arrufat collected four service aces.  Senior Raven King contributed to the defensive with 10 digs, while fellow senior Tasha-Gaye Richards and Moore assisted on three blocks apiece.

This season, the Eagles are led by Arrufat, Kalao, Santos and Richards.  Arrufat paces NCCU in kills with 225 kills on the season for an average of 2.74 kills per set, while Santos leads in digs with 144.  Kalao leads the maroon and gray in assists with 449, as Richards guides the blocking campaign with 44 total blocks.  Arrufat and Richard command the serving game with 19 service aces apiece.

Collectively, the mighty maroon have amassed 821 kills, 744 assists, 119 service aces, 814 digs and 111 total blocks.

The Wildcats (7-18) enter the nest after a three-set (19-25, 26-24, 24-26, 21-25) loss to Stenton on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

B-CU’s offense is led by Krysta Gardner with 396 kills on the season, while Frances Rodriguez has delivered 527 assists.  Janeen Davis and Linda Nwabuko guide the defensive effort with Davis amassing 247 digs and Nwabuko collecting 59 blocks.

As a unit, the Wildcats have collected 1100 kills, 1013 assists, 152 service aces, 1247 digs and 111.5 total blocks.

Following Friday’s contest, the Eagles will host Florida A&M (Nov. 6) for their final home match of the season.  Seniors Tasha-Gaye Richards, Raven King, Shantel Moore, Maritsann Sinclair and Emanuelle Santos will be honored for their dedication to the NCCU Volleyball program.

Visit the official NCCU Athletics website www.NCCUEaglePride.com for up-to-date information on Eagle Volleyball.