NORFOLK, Va. - In one of the best defensive performances this season, the Norfolk State volleyball team defeated South Carolina State in straight sets at home on Sunday for Homecoming. 

The Spartans (10-12, 4-5 MEAC) held the Bulldogs (3-16, 1-6 MEAC) to the third lowest attacking percentage (.044) and most attacking errors committed by opponents (26) of the season.

Norfolk State created separation in the first set as the Spartans tallied four points in a row to gather a 18-14 lead after the score tied at 14-14. The Bulldogs called timeout which the Spartans used to go on a 8-5 run to win set one, 25-19, led by Sydney McCree who tallied five assists and a block assist.

Spectacular defense from the Spartans held Bulldogs to .000 attacking percentage through two sets (19 kills and 19 attacking errors). Norfolk State led by as much as 10 points in set two behind 12 kills, three blocks, and one service ace.

A 11-5 run early in set two behind two kills from Gilbert, one from Jala Dixon and Adlene Jideofor, along with seven Bulldog attacking errors set the tone. The Spartans cruised to an easy win in set two 25-18 to go up two sets to none.

Norfolk State cruised in set three victory behind a 5-0 run that started at 6-4 by Gilbert. Gilbert secured a kill from McCree, followed by a block solo and a kill by Jideofor, and two attacking errors by the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs battled back in set three to within two points of the Spartans in set three (19-17). A kill by Christian Wilson, two attacking errors, and a service error gave Norfolk State a five point lead, 23-18.

The Spartans never relinquished their lead winning set three 25-21 over the Bulldogs, after back-to-back kills from Alexa Harris.

Checking The Box Score

• Gilbert tallied a 10-kill, 10-dig double-double
• Harris finished with nine kills; McCree collected 27 assists
• Two Spartans finished with double-digit digs: Lily Rose-Pichon (17) and Gilbert (10)

News & Notes

• The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 24-16 over the Spartans
• Norfolk State defeated South Carolina State in the previous matchup this season in Orangeburg, S.C. in straight sets as well

LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT'S NEXT
Norfolk State travels to Princess Anne, Md. to face Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.
 
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