NORFOLK, Va. – After a nearly two-week layoff, Norfolk State volleyball is eager to get back on the court. The Spartans' matches against Howard and Regent were cancelled, making Friday's showdown at Coppin State the team's first match since Sept. 30.
 
Norfolk State (2-10, 2-0 MEAC) looks to continue its dominant start to conference play against the Eagles (12-7, 3-0) on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Physical Education Complex Arena in Baltimore, Md. With a win, the Spartans would secure their first 3-0 start in the MEAC in program history.
 
NSU will remain in Baltimore for the weekend, facing Morgan State (2-15, 1-2) on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
 
Last Time Out
 
Norfolk State notched its first two wins of the 2022 campaign in September, defeating UMES and Delaware State.
 
Carla Hernandez's double-double helped the Spartans overcome a 2-0 deficit against the Hawks, ending the night with 12 kills and 10 digs. Middle blocker Paola Matos dominated the net, posting a career-high eight total blocks.
 
The Spartans kept the momentum going two days later with a 3-0 sweep at Delaware State, snapping the Hornets' 19-match home winning streak. Shonte Seale led the team with 13 kills on a .458 hitting percentage, while Hernandez added 11 kills.
 
Scouting the Eagles/Bears
 
As the only team besides the Spartans with a perfect MEAC record, Coppin State has established itself early as one of the top threats in the conference. The Eagles have only dropped two sets during conference play, defeating South Carolina State 3-0, North Carolina Central 3-2, and Morgan State 3-0.
 
Coppin State will make things tough for NSU's outside hitters, holding opponents to a .166 hitting percentage this season. Libero Roman Ashley leads the MEAC with 5.03 digs per set, making kills hard to come by.
 
Morgan State dropped its MEAC opener in heartbreaking fashion, coming up just short in a comeback attempt against N.C. Central. The Bears rebounded with a 3-0 victory vs. South Carolina State, before dropping a road bout with CSU.
 
All-Time Series / Last Meeting
 
Coppin State leads the all-time series 23-16, winning the last two meetings between the programs. The Spartans will have a chance for revenge on Friday, after the Eagles ended NSU's 2021 campaign 3-0 in the MEAC Tournament.
 
Morgan State maintains a 27-9 advantage against Norfolk State, splitting the series last year. The Spartans defeated MSU 3-1 at Gill Gymnasium, but the Bears returned the favor with a 3-0 sweep at their place.