WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Norfolk State volleyball team fell in straight sets to Howard University on Friday evening at Burr Gymnasium. The Spartans move to 1-19 (0-7 MEAC) on the season, while the Bison improve to 11-7 (5-2 MEAC).

Junior outside hitter Gabrielle Gilbert led the Spartans with 11 kills, adding two service aces, two blocks, and seven digs. Setter Jasmine Mataira tallied 20 assists, five digs, and one ace, while Mary Nahinu anchored the defense with 10 digs. Kaden Sanders served up a match-high four aces for Norfolk State. 

Howard opened the first set with an early 8-3 lead before Norfolk State answered with a 7-5 run to pull within two, 12-10, fueled by four Spartan kills and three Bison errors. The Bison responded with a four-point surge, highlighted by two Rya McKinnon kills and a pair of aces from Leah Reeves, extending the lead to six. NSU cut the deficit to three at 19-16, but Howard closed out the set on a 6-4 run to take the opener, 25-20. 

The Bison carried their momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 5-1 advantage behind a trio of service aces. Howard stretched the lead to 17-8 and held off the Spartans down the stretch to claim the set, 25-16. Norfolk State totaled 11 kills, three blocks, and one ace in the frame. 

NSU battled in the early stages of the third set, trailing 5-4 after a block from Gilbert and Reagan Chisholm. Howard went on a 7-1 run to build a 12-5 lead and later extended the margin to 18-7. The Spartans responded with an 8-1 rally to cut the deficit to 19-15, then pulled within two at 22-20 following a late four-point surge. The Bison held off the comeback effort, closing out the set 25-21 to sweep the match. 

Up Next 

Norfolk State returns home for a trio of matches beginning with Morgan State on Friday, Oct. 24. First serve is set for 6 p.m. to kick off Homecoming Weekend. Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.