DURHAM, N.C. — Norfolk State junior outside hitter
Gabrielle Gilbert continued her climb up the program's career kills list on Sunday, moving into third all-time as the Spartans fell to North Carolina Central in straight sets (17-25, 12-25, 18-25).
Gilbert now has 944 career kills, surpassing Kim Mumford (1992-95), who finished with 937. She trails Jessica Johnson (2012-14, '16), who ranks second with 1,002 kills.
Norfolk State dropped to 1-18 overall (0-8 MEAC), while North Carolina Central improved to 5-13 (2-4 MEAC).
Jasmine Mataira directed the Spartans' offense with 17 assists, while Gilbert led the attack with eight kills.
Isis Castille followed with seven kills.
Briana Ellis,
Kaden Sanders, and
Paula Sigurani each recorded an ace.
On defense,
Mary Nahinu and Gilbert paced NSU with eight digs apiece, while Castille added six.
Jolie Faw anchored the Spartans at the net with two blocks.
North Carolina Central dominated the early part of the first set, building a 10-5 lead on the Spartans. Norfolk State tried to cut into the Eagles' momentum with a Nahinu kill, before a 5-1 run put NCCU up 19-11. Norfolk State cut the lead down to 20-15 late in the set with a Mataira kill, but NCCU would hold on to take set one 25-17.
The Eagles opened the second set with a 9-5 lead before Castille's kill stopped their momentum. NCCU responded with a 17-9 advantage and ended the set on an 8-2 run to win 25-12.
Norfolk State took its first lead of the afternoon early in the third set, going ahead 6-3. North Carolina Central answered with a 13-1 surge to seize control at 16-7 before Gilbert ended the run with a kill. The Spartans mounted a late 5-1 rally, but the Eagles held on to win the set 25-18 and complete the sweep.
Norfolk State returns to action Friday, Oct. 17, on the road against Howard at 6 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
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