DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central begins the 2026 volleyball season this weekend (Aug. 28-29) at the Betty K. Austin Invitational in Huntsville, Ala.

The invitational features eight teams – four teams each from the SWAC and MEAC – and 12 matches. The Eagles take the floor Friday against Florida A&M at 11 a.m. and Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 5 p.m. inside Elmore Gymnasium. Their final match is Saturday against host Alabama A&M at 11 a.m. at the AAMU Event Center.

Follow the action via live stats on nccueaglepride.com.

The new-look Eagles added 13 promising players to join middle hitter Allyson Rouse, a MEAC All-Rookie Team selection a year ago, and defensive specialist Hailey Gibbons. The squad, featuring 10 freshmen and no seniors, flashed its potential in a recent scrimmage against Duke of the ACC, winning the first set.

Second-year head coach Jonathan Paulk believes his current squad, predicted to finish seventh in the MEAC preseason poll, can surpass last season's achievements. In his first season, Paulk directed the Eagles to their second double-digit win total and a program Division I record for non-conference victories since becoming a full MEAC member in 2011.

NCCU nearly advanced to the MEAC Tournament semifinals for the third time and first since 2021 a year ago. The Eagles scored match point in the fifth set but the ball was ruled out after a coaches' challenge. 

Rouse and outside hitters Shalyn Bell and Talia Emmen, who both sat out last year, are expected to lead the Eagles this season. In 2025, Rouse ranked fifth in the MEAC in hitting percentage and 10^th in blocks per set and total blocks.

The Eagles will open against Florida A&M, picked to win its third straight SWAC title. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, selected 11^th in the SWAC, has eight freshmen and two sophomores in addition to four seniors. Alabama A&M, predicted to finish fourth in the SWAC, boasts the conference preseason player of the year (Rayishon Jackman) and the preseason libero of the year (Kelani Talakai).

NCCU is seeking to fare better against its three SWAC foes than in previous years. Florida A&M owns a 19-1 advantage in the season series since 2010, including two wins in 2019. Alabama A&M holds a 2-1 edge over the Eagles, including a five-set win in 2023, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff meets NCCU for the first time.

This weekend provides an early test for the youthful Eagles and marks the first step in what Paulk anticipates will be a successful journey.

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