DURHAM, N.C. — The North Carolina Central University volleyball team will make its home debut on Tuesday, Aug. 31, hosting rival North Carolina A&T State University inside McDougald-McLendon Arena at 6 p.m.
MATCH INFO:
DATE: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m.
TICKETS: Free Event (Masks Required)
VIDEO/AUDIO:
NCCU Sports Network
FOLLOW:
LIVE STATS;
@NCCUAthletics
NOTE: Fans are encouraged to check
NCCUEaglePride.com for schedule updates
NC CENTRAL COURT:
The Eagles went 4-3 in their abbreviated MEAC-only spring schedule. NCCU won eight games in its last full season in the fall of 2019, which is the most in a season since 2012. Tuesday's home debut will also now serve as NCCU's season opener due to schedule changes this past weekend.
The top returning statistical leaders for the maroon and gray include sophomore setter
Lauren Janok (7.67 assists/set); senior outside hitter
Arlanda Faulkner (2.58 kills/set); senior outside hitter/middle blocker
Ammaarah Williams (3.45 points/set, 1.00 blocks/set, 0.55 aces/set, .354 hitting percentage); and redshirt freshman
Maria Almeida (2.79 digs/set).
N.C. A&T COURT:
The Aggies, who just joined the Big South this summer, will be playing NCCU as a non-conference opponent for the first time since the Eagles joined the MEAC in 2011-12. North Carolina A&T is 1-1 on the early season, defeating Samford (3-1) before losing to host Clemson (3-1) at the Clemson Invitational over the weekend.
Fifth-year senior setter Edie Brewer highlights NCAT's roster after earning MEAC Player of the Year each of the last two seasons. Brewer is already averaging 5.38 assist, 2.75 digs, 1.38 kills, 0.88 blocks and 0.38 aces per set this season. Freshman outside hitter Naiya Sawtelle has taken over the team on attack to start her rookie season, averaging 4.81 points per set, which includes 3.88 kills, 0.88 blocks and 0.50 aces per set.
HISTORY:
NC Central is clinging to a 15-14 series lead against the Aggies during its modern era (2007-present). However, N.C. A&T has won the last eight matches, including a pair of 3-0 triumphs last season.
