DURHAM, N.C. - In spite of leading for majority of set three, the North Carolina Central University volleyball team could not overpower the Alabama State Hornets, who rallied to a three-set (25-18, 25-14, 26-24) win over the Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 8 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

The Eagles were led by the offensive efforts of senior Kalin Russell and junior Da'sha Brown, who finished the contest with seven kills apiece. Contributing to the offensive effort was junior Alice Genna who collected 12 assists. Russell added a game-high three blocks, two solo, while Brown led NCCU with six digs on the defensive end.

During set one of the contest, the Eagles battled back-and-forth with ASU for the first six points before the Hornets went on a 4-0 rally putting them ahead 10-6. ASU continued to dominate for the remainder of set one earning the 25-17 victory.

After dropping the first set, the Eagles could not find their offensive edge during game two as the team dropped a 25-14 decision to the Hornets.

In the third and final set of the match, NCCU started on top with a 5-0 lead. ASU struggled early on as the Eagles pulled ahead 8-1 after a Hornets timeout.

ASU fought back with a 7-2 run brining the score within two, before back-to-back solo blocks from Russell spread the Eagles margin to 17-9.

The Hornets 11-4 rally tied the set at 21.

A NCCU kill from Brown put the Eagles back on top 22-21 and the two teams went point-for-point until ASU converted on two NCCU miscues capturing the 26-24 set victory.

The Hornets were led by Tiara Kelley and Amber Bennett who each contributed 10 kills, while Ellyn Jones collected 17 assists and six service aces.

As a team the Eagles earned 29 kills, 22 assists, 26 digs, seven service aces and four team blocks.

ASU gathered 35 team kills, 30 assists, 25 digs, eight service aces and four team blocks.

NCCU drops to 0-8 on the season, while Alabama State improves to 2-6.

The Eagles return to the court on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in a 7 p.m. road match-up with the Howard Bison in Washington, D.C.