DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central nearly pulled out its first win over Howard in 17 years but dropped the fifth set in a 3-2 MEAC volleyball loss (25-23, 18-25, 26-24, 18-25, 10-15) at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Friday.
The Eagles led 1-0 and 2-1 but Howard forced a fifth set before gaining the win. NCCU rallied from an early 5-1 deficit in the fifth set to tie the score at 7-7 but were outscored 8-3 down the stretch.
RECORDS
NCCU is 1-4 in the MEAC and 4-13 overall while Howard is 3-2 in the MEAC and 9-7 overall.
NCCU TOP PERFORMERS
EAGLES RALLY IN THIRD SET
Howard built what appeared to be an insurmountable 17-9 lead in the third set, but the Eagles put together a remarkable comeback. They scored eight consecutive points to tie the score at 20-20 and eventually moved in front 22-21.
Then with Howard leading 24-22, the Eagles scored the final four points to wrap up the set with a victory for a 2-1 set lead.
NOTES
- Four of the Eagles' five conference matches have stretched to five sets. Overall, NCCU has played five five-set matches this season.
- The Eagles are 0-16 against Howard since 2008 but they pushed the Bison to five sets for only the third time in the series.
NEXT UP
The Eagles are back in McDougald-McLendon Arena on Sunday, Oct. 12, against Norfolk State in a MEAC matchup. First serve is at 1 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
