Box Score

GREENSBORO, N.C. – North Carolina Central University won its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference volleyball opener in a five-set thriller over rival North Carolina A&T State University on Friday night inside Moore Gymnasium in Greensboro, N.C.

Trailing 2-1 in sets, the Eagles rallied to win the fourth and fifth sets by just two points each time for the 3-2 victory (28-30, 25-22, 14-25, 25-23, 16-14).

NCCU sophomore Dayana Arrufat Rondon amassed a career-best 23 kills and added 11 digs to lead the Eagles. Rookie Christine Anthony contributed 15 kills and a season-high 15 digs, while junior Kalin Russell recorded six kills, five digs and five blocks. Sophomore setter Alice Genna distributed 41 assists with 11 digs, while freshman defensive specialist Marilyn Sherbondy posted 13 digs.

The rivalry match started with a back-and-forth ride through the opening set, as the Aggies and Eagles exchanged the lead eight times and experienced 17 tie scores, pushing the battle beyond regulation. The home team won set one 30-28.

In the second set, NCCU trailed 15-9 and 22-18 before the Eagles scored seven straight points to even the match.

In the third set, NCCU held a slim 9-8 advantage when the Aggies went on a 13-3 run to take a decisive 21-12 lead, enough to take the third set 25-14.

In the fourth set, A&T jumped out to an 8-4 cushion and was up 14-12 when the Eagles scored five unanswered points. The Aggies scored four straight points to regain the lead, but NCCU responded with a 7-2 run for a 24-20 advantage. NCCU won the fourth set 25-23 to force a fifth and deciding set.

A&T took control of the fifth set by claiming a 12-9 lead, forcing the Eagles to call timeout. After the break, NCCU posted a 7-2 run to end the match with a 16-14 fifth-set victory.

NCCU improves its overall record to 3-16, while A&T drops to 0-20.