Sept. 16, 2009

Final Stats

FAYETTEVILLE - Freshman outside hitter Sam Smith had 11 kills to lead The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's volleyball team past Fayetteville State 3-1 (16-25, 25-22, 9-25, 19-25) at Capel Arena on Wednesday.

Despite losing to the Braves (5-5) for the second time this season - UNCP downed the Broncos 3-1 on Sept. 2 in Pembroke - FSU head coach Reeshemah Johnson liked some of what she saw from her team.

"This was a non-conference match and we do use these non-conference matches to prepare for CIAA competition," said the Broncos' first-year head coach. "I think we've gotten better from the last time we played them. I think that even my girls don't know how much they've improved since that time."

FSU (5-7) was led by freshman middle hitter Octavia Wynn, who had 11 kills on 25 total attacks. Junior Chekimbrel Jefferson had eight kills, five digs and two solo blocks while junior setter Achari Mainor registered 30 assists and six digs.

"I think we did OK," Johnson said. "I just think we're not at the point where we are hungry for those wins yet. Once we get to that point we'll do better. We're so satisfied right now with just giving up a point and we're not realizing that one point leads to another point which leads to another point. We're digging holes for ourselves that it's real hard to climb out of."

On Thursday, the Broncos will travel to Virginia State for a CIAA tilt.

Johnson's unit beat the Trojans 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-13) at the CIAA Round-up on Sept. 11. In that match, Jefferson tallied 12 kills and freshman Ifeyinwa Nwokolo contributed 10 kills.

"I think once they get to the point where they realize they have to play hard at all times then we'll be better," said Johnson. "I mentioned before that we can't give 10 percent in practice and then expect to come out here and expect to be able to give 100 percent and the girls realized that today. We have to play hard in practice in order to perform well in the game."

After Thursday's match at Virginia State, the Broncos will have four consecutive CIAA home matches in an eight day span, beginning with Chowan on Tuesday.

"I think it's just a matter of my girls wanting and believing that they can win," Johnson said.

Nwokolo had eight kills for FSU and senior Cailee Huffman amassed 16 digs.