PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – North Carolina Central rallied from an early deficit in the third set to sweep Maryland Eastern Shore 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-23) in MEAC volleyball action at the Hytche Center on Sunday.
This was the fourth 3-0 win this season for the Eagles, who avenged a five-set home loss to UMES on Sept. 28. The Eagles' victory tied last year's season total (7) and ties for the most wins since 2021 (11).
NCCU is in sixth place in the MEAC standings, but only two matches separate second-place Morgan State (6-3) from the Eagles (4-5) with five league matches left.
RECORDS
NCCU – 4-5 MEAC and 7-15 overall
UMES – 5-4 MEAC and 8-14 overall
NCCU TOP PERFORMERS
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST SET | The Eagles went on a 9-2 run to break a 12-12 tie and open a 21-14 lead on the way to a first set win.
SECOND SET | With the score tied 11-11, the Eagles outscored UMES 11-4 for a 22-15 lead which led to a second set victory.
THIRD SET | Trailing 11-5, the Eagles came back to tie the score 20-20. The score was 21-21 before a 3-0 Eagles' run gave them a 24-21 lead. UMES pulled within 24-23 but the Eagles prevailed after a UMES attack error.
NCCU HEAD COACH QUOTE
"We came out and capitalized on certain matchups and situations,"
Jonathan Paulk said. "We played with confidence today and are going to carry that energy into this upcoming weekend."
NOTES
- The win snapped the Eagles' two-match losing skid.
- The victory stopped a three-match losing streak to UMES.
- The match was the last of a four-match road stretch for the Eagles.
NEXT UP
The Eagles return home on Friday, Oct. 31, against Morgan State at McDougald-McLendon Arena. First serve is at 6 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
