PRINCESS ANNE, Md. -  An incredible performance from graduate student Jordan Lyons led the Norfolk State volleyball team to its five-set win over Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday, Nov. 1.

The Spartans (11-12, 5-5 MEAC) defeated the Hawks (9-12, 4-6 MEAC) to secure head coach Kathy Bullock's 100th career Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play.

Bullock's career MEAC wins spans from the beginning of her coaching career at her alma mater North Carolina A&T University from 1994-2004, as well as her time here at Norfolk State.

Lyons' great all-around performance vaulted the Spartans over the Hawks when needed in clutch time. Lyons nearly posted a double-double behind 12 kills and nine digs, while also accumulating six service aces.

The Spartans took an early 6-1 lead in set one, sparked by sophomore Gabrielle Gilbert who tallied two kills and a service ace in that span. 

Norfolk State won after kills by freshman Reagan Chisholm and senior Alexa Harris, followed by a service ace by sophomore Kaden Sanders in the 25-23 set one win.

The Hawks took set two 25-20 after hitting .448 on 17 kills and only four errors.

Norfolk State easily won set three, 25-14, after 6-0 lead produced on three consecutive service aces from Lyons. Lyons collected four of her six service aces in that set.

The Hawks battled the Spartans to force a fifth set after securing a 25-18 win in set four.

Harris and Lyons each posted kills to start set five, as the Hawks answered back with kills on their own to stay within range of the Spartans.

Tied at 10-10, Lyons and Chisholm each tallied a kill to give the Spartans a 12-10 lead after an unsuccessful challenge by UMES.

A 3-0 run on an UMES attacking error, block assists by Chisholm and Harris, along with a kill by Harris garnered the Spartans their 15-11 win in set five.

Checking The Box Score

• Sydney McCree totaled 42 assists; Lily Rose-Pichon posted 19 digs
• Jordan Lyons secured a season-high six service aces
• Three Spartans collected double-digit kills: Gilbert (20), Harris (13), and Lyons (12)
• Gilbert tallied a double-double on 20 kills and 10 digs

News & Notes

• Maryland Eastern Shore leads the all-time series 43-19 over the Spartans
• Norfolk State defeated Maryland Eastern Shore in their last meeting, 3-0, at home on Oct. 4

LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT'S NEXT
Norfolk State travels back home to face Delaware State on Sunday, Nov. 3 in its "Youth Day" match slated for 1 p.m.

For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.