Box Score
Aundia Gray records a .400 hitting percentage

GREENSBORO, October 5, 2008 – Despite all of its struggles thus far this season, at least for the next few days, the North Carolina A&T volleyball team can cling to the fact that it is 1-0 at home after defeating Winston-Salem State 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 27-25) at Corbett Sports Center.

Although it is October, the Aggies played in their home opener Sunday afternoon. Being in Corbett along with some tweaks in the lineup and some resurgent play by some of the Aggie veterans seemed to benefit the N.C. A&T.

Senior Aundia Gray had perhaps her best match of the season as she finished with seven kills, recorded just one attack error, had a .400 hitting percentage and added four blocks to her totals. Junior Tiffany Mellette added seven kills and eight digs.

Junior Bridget McCaskill’s move to the defensive position of libero proved to be a prosperous decision for head coach Lyndsay Schmiedel. McCaskill finished with 10 digs and seven service aces.

“We are still trying to find ways to help this team improve,’’ said Schmiedel. “It is always good when you can get better and still win. I thought Bridget gave us a lift today and it was good to see some of the ladies play with confidence.”

Gray has struggled to find her rhythm this season after putting together a career season a year ago. But on Sunday, she and freshman setter Jordan Gray appeared to be more in sync. She got the ball set to her close to the net where she is effective at running to the ball for the spike.

McCaskill’s contribution not only gave from the defensive end, but from her serves. After the Aggies won the first two sets, McCaskill opened the third set by recording aces on four of her first five serves to give the Aggies a 5-0 advantage.

The Rams quickly got back into the game by scoring the next five points. Winston-Salem State eventually took command of the set by taking a 19-15 lead. The Aggies fought back by going on a 9-1 run that was capped off by a Mellette kill to put the Aggies (2-16) one point away from winning the match.

The Rams offense ignited once again with two consecutive kills. Gray’s only error of the match helped the Rams tie the set at 24. After the teams traded kills to even the set at 25, Gray made up for her error with an explosive kill that blew by two Ram defenders to give the Aggies a 26-25 lead. A Rams attack error gave the Aggies the victory.

The Aggies will be back in action at home on Tuesday when they face N.C. Central at 6 p.m. The match will be played in Moore Gymnasium because of a Homecoming function at Corbett Sports Center.