DURHAM, N.C. – A monster match from North Carolina Central University junior Kelsey Murphy was spoiled by Alabama State University as the Hornets rallied back after losing a dramatic first set to win the non-conference match 3-1 on Thursday evening in the L.T. Walker Complex.

Alabama State (2-5 Overall) fell behind by dropping an extended first set, 33-31, but rattled off win in the next three sets by scores of 25-13, 25-18 and 25-23 to prevent NCCU (0-9) from picking up its first victory.

Murphy pounded out 22 kills and made 19 digs – both match-high totals – for her second double-double of the season. Her 22 kills is a season-high mark and her 19 digs is a new career-best sum.

Freshman Sydney Sumner ripped a dozen kills for a second straight match and tallied 11 digs for her first collegiate double-double. Senior Kelly Rossip continued her strong play by blasting a season-high 14 kills at a .321 clip.

Sophomore setter Paige Phillips recorded a season-best 43 assists as NCCU hit .163 as a team.

Freshman Bree Simmons had her most productive match yet with eight digs and an NCCU season-best four service aces.

The Hornets hit a season-high .343 with five players posting double digit kill totals. Senior Myla Marshall paced the group with 13 kills. Senior Rachel Smith added 10 kills and led Alabama State with 10 digs for a double-double.

Freshman Kori Kutsch and freshman Riley MacDonald helped set up the Hornets attack with 23 and 19 assists, respectively.

ASU registered 14 team blocks. Senior Amber Bennett notched three solo blocks and seven block assists to go along with 11 kills for a team-high 17.5 points.

NCCU will compete in the UMES Fall Fling over the weekend in Princess Anne, Maryland. The Lady Eagles will play the host Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. NCCU completes play in the UMES Fall Fling with two matches on Saturday, Sept. 12 against Manhattan College (10 a.m.) and Loyola University Maryland (4 p.m.).