North Carolina A&T volleyball looks different when it comes to who sets the ball and who defends on the back row. The Aggies veteran six-footers – Samara Brown (6-1, SR, outside hitter, Raleigh, N.C.), Jasmine Lindor (6-0, SR, middle blocker, Cornelius, N.C.) and Alyssa Pitt (6-1, SR, MB, Farmville, N.C.) – will be vital to the Aggies attempt to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Southern Division, which could lead to the larger goal of winning the MEAC championship. The Aggies open the season Friday, August 25, 4:30 p.m., at the ISTAP Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. Their first home match is Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m., at Moore Gymnasium.
N.C. A&T, who has finished third in the southern division for three consecutive seasons, were picked to finish third in the south by sports information directors and head coaches in the 2017 predicted order of finish. The Aggies did not have a player voted to the preseason team despite Brown earning first-team honors at the end of last season. Yet, Hal Clifton, who is entering his seventh season as the Aggies head coach, does not expect any fall off from Brown.
“Sam has stayed in really good shape physically and mentally,” said Clifton about Brown who averaged 3.54 kills per set. “We are starting to see her take a more active role in bringing new players into our system and culture. I like that she has remained positive and still eager to improve.
She knows she has to bring it every day, and she is wanting the best for herself and her teammates. She had a very good season last year but she knows there is a lot left to accomplish. She remains hungry.” Brown is a part of a strength the Aggies possess going into the season. Along with Lindor and Pitt, the trio gives N.C. A&T experienced hitters and blockers with good height. Lindor had a breakout season in 2016 where she placed third in the conference in blocks (0.96 per set). She also averaged 1.10 kills per set and had a .177 hitting percentage. Pitt, meanwhile, gave the Aggies 0.44 blocks per set while averaging 2.12 kills per game. Brown, who has long been credited for being a versatile player, posted 0.40 blocks per set and 2.02 digs per set.
Clifton’s expectations for the ladies on the court is as high as his expectations for the ladies off the court.
“We have high expectations from these three young ladies as they go into their senior year,” said Clifton. “They are very focused and determined to do well. Their presence will be felt in a number of areas but with a relatively young team they will bring a sense of calmness and confidence to the team. They are ready to lead.” |
