VB Celebration Photo vs. Delaware State 2025
Doug Burt
Eagles Celebrate After Edging Delaware State In Five Sets
2
Delaware St. DSU 4-11,0-1 MEAC
3
Winner N.C. Central NCCU 4-8,1-0 MEAC
Delaware St. DSU
4-11,0-1 MEAC
2
Final
3
N.C. Central NCCU
4-8,1-0 MEAC
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 5 F
Delaware St. DSU 25 21 18 26 17 (2)
N.C. Central NCCU 19 25 25 24 19 (3)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | | NCCU Athletic Communications

NCCU Edges Delaware State in MEAC Opener

DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central started the MEAC volleyball season with a bang, edging defending conference champion Delaware State 3-2 (19-25, 25-21, 25-18, 24-26, 19-17) at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Friday night.

The thrilling five-set match was tied 17-17 in the fifth set but the Eagles made clutch plays to pull out the victory. Kamren Harper's kill off an assist from Manuela Cripa Nasser put the Eagles ahead 18-17, setting the stage for Leanna Beaty's service ace for the match winner. Her ace touched off an Eagles' celebration on the court.

Several Eagles stepped up big in the victory. Harper paced NCCU with 21 kills and added 18 digs and Beaty totaled 12 kills, five total blocks and two service aces. Jenelle Mason also played a huge role, tallying 10 kills and five total blocks.

Cripa Nasser amassed 51 assists and Loren Johnson finished with 21 digs and three service aces. Neira Joldic helped out defensively with 16 digs and Makenzi Searcy chipped in nine kills, 15 digs and two block assists.

RECORDS
NCCU improved to 1-0 in the MEAC and 4-8 overall. Delaware State fell to 0-1 and 4-11.

HOW IT HAPPENED
  • The Eagles dropped the first set 25-19 but regrouped for a 25-21 second-set win to tie the match.
  • NCCU was impressive in the third set, winning 25-18 for a 2-1 lead. The Eagles nearly knocked off the Hornets in four sets but fell 26-24 after tying the match at 24-24.
  • The fifth set was a nail-biter as the Eagles held off the Hornets. NCCU led 12-8 after Allyson Rouse recorded a kill off Cripa Nasser's assist. But the lead slipped away from the Eagles, who trailed 14-13 with the Hornets serving for match point.
  •  The Eagles showed fortitude as they staved off match point not once but three times before taking a 17-16 lead on Harper's kill on an assist from Cripa Nasser.
  •  The Hornets tied the score 17-17 but the Eagles came through when it counted, scoring the final two points for 19-17 victory.
NOTES
  • The victory snapped a nine-match losing skid to Delaware State.
  • NCCU captured its season opener at home in five sets for the second straight year. The Eagles defeated Norfolk State 3-2 at McDougald-McLendon Arena in 2024.
  • NCCU's hitting percentage was higher than Delaware State's (.226 to .183).
  • The Eagles led Delaware State in service aces (8-6) and blocks (8-6).
  • NCCU is 2-0 at home.
QUOTES
"It was invigorating," said NCCU Head Coach Jonathan Paulk about the post-match celebration. "It reinforces that the players are moving in the right direction. It gives them that confidence that what they are working on in the gym during practice is paying off."

"It all comes down to preparation," NCCU outside hitter Kamren Harper said. "Our mindset was - let's win. We did not go in the match hoping to win or doubting we would win."

NEXT UP
The Eagles are back at home against Maryland Eastern Shore in a conference match on Sunday, Sept. 28. The 1 p.m. match is designated as Volleyball Alumni Day.
 
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
 
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