PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The Norfolk State volleyball team opened MEAC play with a 3-0 loss at Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday night at Hytche Athletic Center. The Hawks won in straight sets, 25-16, 25-19, 25-22.

Shonte Seale paced NSU (4-8, 0-1 MEAC) with seven kills. Rachel Williams and Paola Matos added six apiece, while Nicole Rodriguez posted a match-high 21 digs.

NSU started the match well, scoring five of the first six points behind a pair of kills by Williams and one by Kendra McRuffin. The Spartans still held a 12-9 lead when the Hawks (6-6, 1-0 MEAC) rattled off a 9-1 run that included three service aces that propelled the hosts to the set 1 win.

MDES started quickly in set 2, opening up an early 7-2 lead. NSU played catch up the rest of the way but remained within striking distance at 20-17 after an ace by Matos. But the Hawks scored the next three points to widen the gap before Jalynn Robinson's kill finished off the set.

The third set was tight throughout. NSU shook off an 11-6 deficit by scoring five straight points, four off the serve of Williams. Gracie Teeter had two kills in the spurt, Williams contributed an ace and Taylor Eichelberger also had a kill that knotted the score at 11-all.

That tie was one of 11 in the final set. That last came at 22-all after a kill by setter Caris Cross, but the Hawks scored the next three points to finish off the match. Marina Cruz had the final two points of the set on a pair of kills.

Maya Hendricks tallied 11 kills and Derionah Abner nine for MDES, which hit .308 as a team and had 11 aces.

Cross led all players with 24 assists for NSU. Teeter had five kills.

The Spartans play their MEAC home opener at 1 p.m. Sunday against Delaware State at Echols Hall. Popeye's will provide free chicken to the first 50 fans in attendance. Admission is free.