NORFOLK, Va. – The North Carolina Central University volleyball team needed only three sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-16) to defeat Norfolk State University Friday evening on the road at the Gill Gymnasium.

The win improved NCCU's record to 5-14 overall and 3-5 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play for their second win in a row. The victory gives NCCU the series sweep against Norfolk State this season after defeating the Spartans at home in September.

The Eagles' offense was paced by junior Emmie Modlin, who finished with 15 kills on the day. Juniors Tayah Little and Kamren Harper added 13 and 12 kills, respectively as part of a balanced NC Central attack. Senior Bella Dearinger set a match-high 35 assists to her teammates.

Defensively, two juniors reached double figures in digs as Neira Joldic had 14 and Gabriela Felix-Baeza had 10.

How It Happened

The Eagles won the first point and never trailed to secure the first set 25-22. NCCU led by as many as seven points at 13-6 before closing out the set, collecting 16 kills along the way.

After their triumph in the first set, the Eagles put themselves on the cusp of a sweep with a 25-23 victory in set number two. NCCU grabbed control of the set lead early after scoring its fifth point and never looked back. The Maroon and Gray led by as many as six points at 12-6 before finishing the set. NC Central's front row had a solid defensive performance, blocking four Norfolk State attacks in the stanza.

North Carolina Central took the third set to earn a sweeping victory. The Eagles scored first and never trailed in the set to secure a 25-16 victory. NCCU ended on a high note, claiming its biggest lead, nine points, totaling 17 kills along the way to a road win.

The Eagles look to keep the momentum alive as they travel to Washington D.C. to take on Howard University on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. The match will stream live on ESPN+.

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