DURHAM, N.C. – The most important stretch of the volleyball season starts this weekend as North Carolina Central opens the MEAC schedule with a pair of road matches.
NCCU travels to Delaware State on Friday for a 6 p.m. matchup before heading to Maryland Eastern Shore on Sunday for a 1 p.m. contest.
The Eagles played 11 non-conference matches, including five against Big South opponents, to prepare for MEAC play. With 10 freshmen and no seniors, NCCU expects to enter the conference slate battle-tested after facing a challenging early season slate.
NCCU (2-9 overall) relies on an offensive attack that ranks second in the MEAC in hitting percentage (.197) and assists per set (10.9) and third in kills per set (11.34). Defensively, the Eagles rank second in digs per set (13.66).
Talia Emmen and
Shalyn Bell spark the Eagles both offensively and defensively. Emmen, an outside hitter, ranks third in the MEAC kills per set (3.00) and eighth in digs per set (2.45) while Bell, a middle blocker, ranks fifth in kills per set (2.93) and ninth in digs per set (2.43).
The duo is complemented by a solid supporting cast.
Allyson Rouse ranks third in the conference in hitting percentage (.347) and
Morgan Wingo ranks fifth (.310) while
Aniah Bass is ninth (.225).
Breylan Fairley, named MEAC Rookie of the Week on Monday, ranks second in service aces per set (0.50) and fourth in assists per set (5.89).
The Eagles seek to snap a two-match losing skid against the Hornets, who are 8-0 in the last eight home meetings against NCCU. The last time both teams met, the Eagles dropped a heartbreaking five-set MEAC quarterfinal match after the match-winning point was overturned after a challenge review.
Delaware State is off to a strong start, entering MEAC play with a 9-5 record. The Hornets can also score as attested by their No. 2 ranking in kills per set (11.5). They also rank second in service aces per set (2.07) and third in blocks per set (2.25). Aaliyah Mitchell leads the MEAC in kills per set (3.67) and Hannan Sanders is the league leader in hitting percentage (.374).
On the other end of the spectrum, Maryland Eastern Shore has one win in 11 matches. Opponents are hitting .264 percent against the Hawks, who rank last in hitting percentage, opponent kills per set (13.30) and opponent assists per set (12.45).
One highlight for the Hawks is Dynasty Andrews, who ranks second in the MEAC in blocks per set (1.39).
The Eagles are aiming for their second consecutive win in the series after beating the Hawks in three sets on the road last season. The victory was the Eagles' first win at UMES in 10 road matches.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
