CHARLOTTE, NC- The Elizabeth City State University volleyball team captured a pair of wins to start the 2021 season 2-0 after Day 1 of the Queen's Tournament in Charlotte, NC. 
 
Coach David Brooks is optimistic, eager, and confident as he begins his inaugural season at the wheel of the Vikings volleyball program. 
 
MATCH 1 vs Young Harris: The Vikings unblemished day started with a 3-0 sweep (25-12, 25-22, and 25-18) against the Young Harris Mountain Lions. 
 
"Beating Young Harris to start the tournament was an important win as although they are a very young team made up exclusively of Freshman and Sophomores," said head coach David Brooks. "They are a very well-coached team by Jenny Michael."
 
Junior Elizabeth Kellum (Jacksonville, NC) provided an explosive spark for the Lady Vikings across the board. Kellum led the Vikings in both assists (22) and blocks (5). The Catawba College transfer also had 10 digs, 6 kills, and 1 ace.
 
Junior Aasia McNeil (Statesville, NC) led the Vikings in kills with 11 in her debut as a Lady Viking. McNeil also a fresh face for ECSU came from Catawba Valley Community College.
 
The Mountain Lions were led in kills by Lily Hildalgo.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
 
The first set provided the Vikings their largest victory margin of the match, fueled by the Vikings outscoring the Mountain Lions 16-6 to close the set. 
 
The second set was a battle from start to finish but the Vikings managed to come out on top 25-22 after a total of eight tie scores. 
 
Much like the second set, the Vikings and Mountain Lions endured their fair share of score ties to start the third set. Six unanswered points initiated by a kill from freshman Mariah Griffin (Virginia Beach, VA) gave ECSU a 21-15 edge down the stretch before capturing the set 25-18.
 
MATCH 2 vs Chowan: The Lady Vikings adjusted after a slow start in Game 2 and were able to dominate the Hawks of Chowan University 3-1 to start the 2021 season undefeated.
 
"Aside from it being the first win over a former CIAA rival since 2013, the win over Chowan was big," said Coach Brooks. "The team showed their resiliency sweeping three straight sets after falling in the first set 25-12.  The ability of these girls to adjust to the game plan after set one was impressive, and will bode us well once we enter CIAA play.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:
 
The first set started with balanced scoring from both sides, but Chowan halted the Vikings in their tracks outscoring ECSU 15-2 to take the opening set.
 
The Vikings regrouped and were able to shut the Hawks down for three back-to-back sets to defeat the familiar former CIAA opponent.
 
The Lady Vikings will return to action tomorrow for Day 2 of the Queens Tournament to take on Lees-Mcrae College at 10 am and Lander at 4:45 pm.
 
Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre-and post-game stories and updates.
 
ECSU Athletics is also on social media, follow us on Twitter at @ECSUVikings and Instagram at @ecsusports