Box Score
ELON, N.C. – North Carolina Central University pushed SEC opponent University of Alabama to the limit in an extended second set, but the Crimson Tide held off the Eagles for a 3-0 (25-13, 30- 28, 25-16) victory at the Elon Phoenix Classic on Friday.
NCCU rookie
Christine Anthony recorded a team-high 12 kills along with four digs to pace the Eagles. Redshirt freshman
Denni Johnson contributed a season-best seven kills in the setback.
After Alabama defeated the Eagles 25-13 in the opening set, NCCU regrouped to go toe-to-toe with the Crimson Tide. The two squads battled throughout the set, with NCCU overcoming a 23-20 deficit to even the set at 25-25. The Eagles took leads of 27-26 and 28-27, but the Tide rolled off three straight points to capture the second set.
NCCU fell behind 11-3 early in the third set, allowing Alabama to post a score of 25-16 for the match sweep.
Alabama (4-1) was topped by sophomore Pricilla Duke-Ezeji with 12 kills and five blocks.
NCCU (1-5) returns to action in the Elon Phoenix Classic on Saturday by challenging event host Elon University at 12:30 p.m., followed by a match against Gardner-Webb University at 4:30 p.m.
