NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State dropped a home contest 3-1 to Delaware State on Sunday afternoon, splitting the regular season series between the two foes.
 
The Hornets (16-6, 6-3 MEAC) strong defensive showing fueled them to the win over NSU (5-13, 5-3) by scores of 25-14, 18-25, 25-23, and 25-15. While the Spartans held DSU to a .197 hitting percentage, NSU posted a .113 clip.
 
Carla Hernandez, while recording her 1,00^th career kill, racked up a team-high 15 kills on 48 attempts. Alondra Hernandez led the back line with a career-best 15 digs, while Sydney McCree made up 28 of NSU's 33 assists.
 
Delaware State's attack dominated NSU in the first set, outhitting the Spartans .407 to -.065. Myleah Carter provided two kills from the back line, but NSU only mustered four other kills in the set, while the Hornets racked up five blocks.
 
The Spartans flipped the script in the second set, outhitting the Hornets .231 to -.069. After going down 5-2, NSU reeled off five straight points, capped by an ace from Paola Matos.
 
NSU held onto that lead the rest of the set, expanding the gap with small runs repeatedly. Adlene Jideofor and Shonte Seale shined as a defensive tandem, rejecting three attacks together in a span of six points. Jideofor notched a pair of kills shortly after, helping the Spartans even the match at one set apiece.
 
After NSU took an early 6-3 lead in the third game, Delaware State put together a 7-0 run to regain command. The Spartans' net presence helped cause four Hornet attack errors in the next six points, tying the set back up at 11.
 
Three consecutive DSU kills eventually gave the Hornets the lead they would keep to win the game, but not without a late push by the Spartans. Trailing 21-24, NSU staved off two set points with a kill from Carla Hernandez and ace from McCree. The rally fell short, though, with McCree's next serve landing beyond the baseline.
 
Delaware State never trailed in the fourth set, capitalizing on an early advantage to close out the match. Carla Hernandez contributed four of the Spartans nine kills in the final game, but 14 kills by the Hornets kept the Spartans from mounting any comeback.
 
Sunday's battle marked the first of a three-match home stand for Norfolk State. The Spartans return to Gill Gymnasium on Friday at 6 p.m. against Coppin State, before ending the weekend on Sunday at 1 p.m. vs. Morgan State.