DURHAM, N.C. -- Jordan Jefferson had 21 kills and 22 digs, but Bethune-Cookman dropped its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Southern Division Opener as North Carolina Central posted a 3-2  (23-15,17-25,25-21,23-25,16-14) victory Friday.

The sophomore's 74 attempts were the second highest in program history, one shy of the school record of 75 held by Melissa Sanders against Morgan State in 2004.

Bethune-Cookman (7-8,0-1) rallied to force a fifth set and had match point at 14-13 before the Eagles (3-9,1-0) scored the final three points the hand the Lady Wildcats their third consecutive loss and sixth on the road this season.

Sterling Williamson had 10 kills and nine digs, while Micaiah Hill and Meraiah Hill (seven block)  added seven and five kills respectively.

Setters J'nai Higgins and Ryleigh Taylor  combined for 49 assists and 21 digs.  Shayla Eugene posted 21 digs.

The Lady Wildcats face North Carolina A&T Sunday at 1 p.m.