DURHAM, N.C. – Shalyn Bell totaled 10 kills, 11 digs and three service aces as North Carolina Central went toe-to-toe with USC Upstate in a tight three-set volleyball loss (22-25, 22-25, 26-28) at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Friday.
Aniah Bass added eight kills and three blocks while
Tabitha Newlin contributed 11 digs and two service aces.
Breylan Fairley finished with 20 assists, eight digs and two service aces for the Eagles, now 2-5 overall.
The Eagles outhit the Spartans .195 to .154 and tallied nine service aces and nine blocks. They led late in all three sets but the Spartans rallied each time.
USC Upstate (5-2 overall) is the third Big South team to visit NCCU this season and the second in three days. The Eagles hosted UNC Asheville on Tuesday. Six of the Eagles' 13 non-conference matches are against Big South teams.
The challenging non-conference schedule is expected to help the youthful Eagles prepare for MEAC play. The NCCU roster features 10 freshmen, three sophomores and no seniors.
NEXT UP
The Eagles will play their third straight match and fourth in five days on Saturday, Sept. 12, at UNC Greensboro. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
