DURHAM, N.C. – Preparation for the 2012 North Carolina Central University women’s volleyball season begins Thursday (Aug. 9) with the team’s first practice.

The Eagles have just two weeks before they host the season-opening NCCU Volleyball Invitational on Aug. 24-25 inside McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. A challenging invitational field includes visiting teams from Bradley, Elon, Hampton, Liberty, UNC Greensboro and Winthrop.

Georgette Crawford-Crooks, entering her seventh season as head coach of the NCCU volleyball program, feels this year’s squad has a good mix of experienced returners and quality newcomers, so she says the key to preseason practice is to develop team chemistry.

NCCU lost five letterwinners from a year ago, but returns six veterans, including three starters. The nine newcomers joining the Eagles consist of two transfers, two redshirt freshmen and five true freshmen.

Fans will have several opportunities to see the 2012 Eagles in action, as 20 of NCCU’s 29 matches will be played in the state of North Carolina, including 11 home matches.

After hosting the NCCU Volleyball Invitational on Aug. 24-25, the Eagles play home contests against Hampton (Aug. 26), Campbell (Sept. 4), Florida A&M (Oct. 5), Bethune-Cookman (Oct. 7), North Carolina A&T (Oct. 28), South Carolina State (Nov. 9) and Savannah State (Nov. 11).

For a complete schedule, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com.

For details about the NCCU Volleyball Invitational on Aug. 24-25, CLICK HERE.