Plagued by errors, injuries and just tough competition, the N.C. Central University Lady Eagles volleyball team continues to struggle as they lose their eighth straight match.
"Currently we have three of our starters out right now so that's one of the reasons why we're pretty up and down right now in terms of our play," said Georgette Crawford-Crooks, NCCU volleyball head coach.
This is the first season the eagles will be able to compete for NCAA Division I championship honors and no team plans to lie down for the Lady Eagles. They have lost in straight sets in six of their first eight matches.
"I think that we should talk more. We just had 2 weeks to practice," said freshman Dayanna Arrufat, in reference to the team's off-season.
Speed appears to be a strong suit for the Lady Eagles but they continue to struggle with the serve receive, and with committing errors.
"The things we can improve upon is our serve receive," said Crawford-Crooks.
"Believe it or not, that's a strong point for us, our serve receive," she said. "It's that half of our serve receive is out."
Few players remain as consistent as Arrufat, sophomore Jzima-Malaki Kalao, and senior leader Shantel Moore (when healthy).
Arrufat leads the team with 69 kills, followed by Moore with 50. Kalao, the primary setter, leads the team on defense with 54 digs.
"Our blocking is getting there but we should be more consistent because overall, traditionally we're usually a strong blocking team," said Crawford-Crooks.
"Pretty much, we're getting there as a program."
The competition also has been tough as the opponents they have played have a combined record of 27-25.
The games will only get tougher as the Lady Eagles start a three-game road trip against the Lady Eagles of Winthrop (4-2), on Sept. 16.
They also will face two familiar opponents in the Lady Camels of Campbell and the Lady Phoenix of Elon, whom they played in the first tournament of the year, the NCCU Hilton/RTP, losing in straight sets to both.
"Work harder and be more disciplined and we'll be fine," said Kalao.































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