DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central returns home to start its MEAC volleyball schedule this weekend.

The Eagles host Delaware State in the MEAC opener on Friday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. Two days later, Maryland Eastern Shore visits NCCU on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m. Both matches will be played at McDougald-McLendon Arena.

NCCU, coming of a seven-match road stretch, is 3-8 overall. The Eagles have played away from home in 10 of the previous 11 matches. Delaware State is 4-10 and UMES is 3-10.

ALUMNI DAY ON SUNDAY
Sunday's match versus UMES is designated as Alumni Day. Former NCCU players in attendance will be recognized between the second and third sets. NCCU volleyball invites all former volleyball letterwinners to attend.

NCCU vs. DELAWARE STATE

• The Eagles are 4-13 against Delaware State since 2009. They are looking to snap a nine-match losing streak against the Hornets. The last time NCCU won was 2021, a five-set victory at home.
• Delaware State is the defending MEAC champion.
• Both NCCU Head Coach Jonathan Paulk and DSU Head Coach David Brooks have coached against each other in the Division II CIAA. They both led their respective schools to conference titles – Paulk at Shaw and Brooks at Elizabeth City State.
• Gerren Tomlin of Delaware State ranks fifth in the MEAC in kills per set (3.11) and Hannah Sanders ranks second in hitting percentage (.352).

NCCU vs. UMES

• The Eagles are 4-16 against UMES since 2007. NCCU dropped both matches in 2024 after splitting the season series in 2023. The Eagles won in four sets at home that year.
• Nkemjika Ikemefuna of UMES is eighth in the MEAC in kills per set (2.51) and Valeria Matias ranks second in digs per set (4.43).

ABOUT NCCU

• The Eagles have been in action twice this week, both on the road. They defeated Radford 3-1 on Monday and lost to Elon 3-0 on Wednesday.
• NCCU has beaten three non-conference opponents which is the most in a season by an Eagles' team since becoming a full MEAC member in 2011.
• NCCU leads the MEAC in digs per set (15.34) and is third in kills per set (11.80).
• Kamren Harper ranks second in the MEAC in kills per set (3.69) and fourth in points per set (3.93). Leanna Beaty ranks fifth in hitting percentage (.310).
• Manuela Cripa Nasser ranks second in the MEAC in assists per set (9.11) and sixth in digs per set (2.63).
• Allyson Rouse ranks third in the MEAC in blocks per set (0.93) and ninth in hitting percentage (.230).
• Loren Johnson ranks third in the MEAC in digs per set (4.00).

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.