DURHAM, N.C. - The North Carolina Central University volleyball team could not overpower the East Carolina Pirates during their second match-up of the season, falling 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-18) on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

The Eagles relied on the offensive efforts of junior Da'sha Brown and senior Kalin Russell, who finished the contest with 10 and seven kills respectively. Contributing to the offensive effort was the setting duo of Alice Genna and Melissa Rabell Pineiro who collected 28 of the teams 29 assists, with 19 and nine apiece.

In set one of the contest, the Eagles started off strong as they battled point-for-point with the Pirates. A kill from junior Aljalena Thompson tied the set at 21 before ECU pulled away with the 25-22 victory.
 
After dropping the first set, the Eagles kept game two within reach. With the score at 12-10 in favor of the Pirates, NCCU lost its offensive steam as ECU went on an 8-3 run. The Eagles fought out five more points before falling 25-18.

In the third and final set of the match, NCCU attempted to refuel its offensive fire. An Eagle kill from rookie Kelsey Murphy started a 4-0 rally for NCCU bringing the score within five, before dropping the set 25-18.

Nicole Willis led for ECU with 14 kills, while Torre Blake added seven. Zarah Cecich collected a game-high 37 assists while Shelby Beasley led with 10 digs.
 
The Eagles will travel to Greensboro, N.C., on Friday, Sept. 20 where they will play in day one action of the Spartan Spiketacular hosted by UNC Greensboro, taking on Texas Christian University at 4 p.m.