PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – North Carolina Central University took its opponent the distance for the seventh time this season, including a third straight five-set match, but the host Hawks of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore edged the Eagles, 3-2 (21-25, 25-15, 21-25, 25-21, 16-14), on Friday night inside the Hytche Center.

NCCU junior setter Bella Dearinger distributed a season-high 45 assists, to go along with nine digs and two block assists, as three Eagles accumulated double-digit kills.

Sophomore Emmie Modlin topped NCCU with 16 kills with a .270 hitting percentage, while adding 13 digs, four block assists and a solo block. Fellow sophomore Kamren Harper contributed 15 kills, while senior Isa Dostal registered season-highs of 14 kills and a .500 hitting percentage with three block assists.

UMES (9-7, 2-2 MEAC) was led by Ranyla Griggs with a match-high 19 kills.

Up next, NCCU (2-12, 1-4 MEAC) plays at Delaware State University on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. 

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.