NORFOLK, Va. - Gabrielle Gilbert finished with 12 kills against Miami (OH) University leading both teams but it wasn't enough in the Spartans 3-1 loss over the Redhawks in the final game of the Norfolk State Tournament Saturday afternoon.

Four Spartans finished with six or more kills against the Redhawks: Gabrielle Gilbert (12), Alexa Harris (7), Jordan Lyons (7), and Sydney McCree (6).

Great performances on the team included 25 assists from junior setter McCree, four block assists from Jideofor, three block assists from Harris, and 10 digs from Lily Rose-Pichon. 

The Spartans went up 1-0 over the Redhawks after defeating them 25-20 in the first set. Lyons and Gilbert combined for ten kills in the first set with Jideofor adding one kill and two blocks.

Hitting .464 in the first set was pivotal in the Spartans taking an early lead. The Redhawks would respond by taking set two 25-18.

The Spartans fought hard in the third set after a hot start by the Redhawks to tie it at 11-11, with a huge block by Jideofor the Spartans were able to take the lead, 12-11.

With three attack errors by the Redhawks and a kill by Gabrielle Gilbert, the Spartans tied the set once more at 16-16. A run by the Redhawks to close out set three allowed them to go up 2-1.

The Redhawks would go on to take set four 25-11 after starting the set with a 7-1 run.


Checking The Box Score

• Four Spartans finished with six or more kills: Gilbert (12), Harris (7),  Lyons (7), and McCree (6)
• McCree secured 25 assists
• Jideofor had four block assists and Harris had three block assists and one block solo

News & Notes

• In the first ever meeting between the opponents, the Redhawks take the win in the newly-created series
• Spartans are now 2-1 on the season

 
UP NEXT
The Spartans travel to North Carolina to face Charlotte on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and Elon on Tuesday, Sept.10. Their next home game won't be until Sept. 17 against Hampton in Battle of the Bay.
 
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