DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central looks to continue its positive momentum this week as the Eagles visit Norfolk State on Thursday, Oct. 8, and Howard on Friday, Oct. 9. First serve for both volleyball matches is 6 p.m.

Fans can watch the Eagles in action on the MEAC Network.

Picked to finish seventh in the MEAC, the youthful Eagles, featuring 10 freshmen, are off to a solid start in the conference after winning two of their last three matches. They are tied for fourth in the standings at 2-2 in the MEAC and 4-11 overall.

Norfolk State is tied for sixth at 1-3 in the MEAC and 5-12 overall and Howard, last year's MEAC runner-up, is tied for second at 3-1 in the MEAC and 4-11 overall.

This past weekend, the Eagles defeated Morgan State in five sets before falling to defending MEAC champion Coppin State in four sets. Shalyn Bell averaged a double-double of 19 kills and 13 digs over the two home matches including a season-high 21 kills in the Morgan State victory.

In the Coppin State match, the Eagles posted a .233 hitting percentage and won the second set 25-12, marking the first time Coppin State dropped a set against a league opponent this season.

Talia Emmen, who totaled a career-high 24 kills versus Morgan State, leads the MEAC with 4.06 kills per set in conference play. Bell's 13 service aces are tied for the league lead while Breylan Fairley averages 10.35 assists per set.

NCCU has enjoyed success against Norfolk State despite falling 3-2 in their last meeting in 2025. The Eagles hold a 15-6 advantage in the series including a 7-2 road record since 2007.

Norfork State is 2-1 in its last three matches including wins over Hampton and Maryland Eastern Shore. The Spartans are led by Gabrielle Gilbert, who was selected MEAC Player of the Week after averaging 5.73 points per set while totaling 33 digs, six service aces and four blocks in three contests.

The Eagles are seeking their first win against Howard, which is 17-0 in the series since 2008 including a 9-0 record at home. Howard has won three straight matches including wins over Delaware State and Maryland Eastern Shore over the weekend after dropping the MEAC opener to Coppin State.

Addison Buckner, the MEAC Rookie of the Week, played a key role in both weekend victories for the Bison. She averages a team-high 3.13 kills per set in MEAC matches.

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