Box Score          2007 N.C. A&T Volleyball Media Guide

GREENSBORO, September 18, 2007 – In August, the North Carolina A&T volleyball team didn’t come close to even winning a game against UNC-Greensboro in the Triad Challenge.

But three weeks later during the Aggies home opener on Tuesday, the Aggies looked like a much better team although they still lost to the Spartans 3-0 (32-30, 30-23, 30-21). Senior Brenden Chatman recorded her first career triple-double with 11 kills, 26 assists and 10 digs.

 She continued to march toward the school’s all-time assists record, where she is just 316 assists shy of the record. Krystal Cooper chipped in with 11 kills. “We’re starting to get geared up toward our conference season,’’ said N.C. A&T head Lyndsay Schmiedel. “I really think our team is playing better and I think it will start to show in the conference. The ladies are really looking forward to it.”

 The Aggies (0-16) play their first conference game of the season next Tuesday at S.C. State. The Aggies have not finished below fourth in the MEAC since 1991. If the Aggies want that streak to continue they must close out games.

 The recurring problem for the Aggies reared its head again. The Aggies have watched big leads in games – specifically the first game – disappear several times this season. It happened again on Tuesday.

 Thanks to a strong performance from Janae Mitchell and Cooper, the Aggies took a 22-14 lead in the first game. After a Cooper kill, the Aggies were two points away from crucial confidence booster. But two Kaitlyn Nortz kills and a service ace by Branagan Fuller helped the Spartans tie the game at 28.

 After a Chatman service error, Nyra Taborn tied the game at 30 with a kill. But a Nortz kill and an attack error by the Aggies completed the rally for the Spartans (8-7). The Spartans would go on to take over the match from there.

 “I think everyone sees we need to close out games,’’ said Schmiedel. “I really believe we’re playing well. The other teams are doing the things they need to do to win, and we’re not.”

 Nortz had 13 kills, four blocks and a .375 hitting percentage lead the Spartans. Katherine Hart added 12 kills and Fuller recorded a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs.