DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central battled defending MEAC volleyball champion Coppin State for four sets before falling 3-1 (26-28, 25-12, 15-25, 20-25) at the LeRoy T. Walker Complex on Sunday.
The loss snapped a two-match win streak for the Eagles, who were seeking their second straight home win over Coppin State. Last year, NCCU (2-2 MEAC, 4-11 overall) handed Coppin State its only conference loss during the regular season, winning in four sets.
On Sunday, the score was tied 1-1 after the Eagles dominated the second set 25-12 to give Coppin State its first set loss in conference play this season. But Coppin State (4-0 MEAC, 13-5 overall) won the last two sets to remain unbeaten in the MEAC.
The Eagles were once again led by
Talia Emmen and
Shalyn Bell, who both recorded double-doubles in kills and digs. Emmen and Bell both tallied 17 kills apiece with Bell adding 13 digs and Emmen collecting 11 digs.
Bell and
Tabitha Newlin tallied four aces each and Emmen added two aces for the Eagles, who finished with 10 aces.
Aniah Bass added eight kills and five blocks while
Breylan Fairley dished out 38 assists.
Jayla Egerton finished with 10 digs and
Morgan Wingo had two blocks for NCCU.
The Eagles took the fight to Coppin State in the first set. They rallied from an 18-13 deficit to tie the score five times at 21-21, 22-22, 24-24, 25-25 and 26-26 before Coppin State scored the final two points.
Both teams hit the ball effectively in the contest. NCCU posted a .233 hitting percentage and Coppin State had a .281 hitting percentage.
UP NEXT
The Eagles will play two road MEAC matches on consecutive days this week, visiting Norfolk State on Thursday, Oct. 8, and Howard on Friday, Oct. 9. First serve for both matches is 6 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
