DURHAM, N.C. –
Talia Emmen finished with 11 kills and 10 digs while
Aniah Bass added 10 kills for North Carolina Central but the Eagles lost to Gardner-Webb 3-1 (25-21, 14-25, 22-25, 17-25) in the home opener at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Tuesday.
Emmen posted her third double-double in kills and digs in four matches this season. She leads NCCU in both categories.
Shalyn Bell chipped in nine kills and
Morgan Wingo contributed four blocks for the Eagles, who are 2-2 overall.
Breylan Fairley had 25 assists and nine digs and
Jayla Egerton contributed 12 digs.
The defeat snapped a two-match win streak at home against the Runnin' Bulldogs, who evened their record at 2-2 overall. The Eagles took charge early, opening a 12-4 lead on the way to a first-set win. The momentum shifted in the second set as Gardner-Webb built a 13-1 lead on the way to tying the match.
The third set was close early but Gardner-Webb was able to push ahead 20-14. The Eagles rallied within 24-22 but Gardner-Webb scored the final point to take a 2-1 lead before clinching the match in the fourth set.
Mya Smith collected three blocks and
Lusiana Damuni finished with 17 assists for NCCU.
NEXT UP
The Eagles are off for six days before hosting UNC Asheville at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 8. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
