Box Score

RADFORD, Va. – After storming out to an opening-set victory at Radford University, North Carolina Central University lost the services of its setter and eventually lost Tuesday’s women’s volleyball match, 3-1 (20-25, 25-6, 25-10, 25-20).

On the road and facing a tough Radford squad, NCCU stepped up to the challenge to capture the first set 25-20. Sophomore outside hitter Dayana Arrufat Rondon led the way for the Eagles with six kills and four digs in the opener.

Early in the second set, though, redshirt freshman setter Melissa Rabell Pineiro went down with an injury, and her night was over. With back-up setter Alice Genna already sidelined with an injury, setting responsibilities fell into the hands of outside hitter Rondon. She respectfully distributed eight assists, but was also whistled for six ball-handling errors and the NCCU offense struggled. The Eagles dropped the second set 25-6 and the third set 25-10.

In the fourth set, NCCU freshman defensive specialist Marilyn Sherbondy moved to setter and things started clicking again. The Eagles jumped out to a 6-1 advantage and led by as much as eight points on three occasions, including a 14-6 cushion. However, Radford scored 11 of the next 12 points to take a 17-15 lead, one the host did not relinquish.

Sherbondy finished the night with six assists, eight digs and only one ball-handling error.

NCCU rookie Christine Anthony topped the Eagles with 12 kills, four digs and two blocks. Junior Kalin Russell dominated the net with a season-high eight blocks to go along with five kills, five digs and a service ace for the Eagles.

NCCU (2-16) returns to the court on Friday, Sept. 28 to face rival North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C.