NORFOLK, Va. --- Norfolk State fell to Delaware State in straight sets (16-25, 18-25, 21-25) on Sunday afternoon at Gills Gymnasium.
 
Gabrielle Gilbert led the Spartans with 14 kills. Jasmine Mataira dished out 18 assists to pace the offense, while Gilbert and Paula Sigurani each added an ace.
 
On defense, Mya Wood anchored the back row with 14 digs. Sigurani added six, and Reagan Chisholm controlled the net with four blocks. Isis Castille followed with two.
 
Delaware State opened the match with a 7-3 lead, but Norfolk State answered with a 5-1 run capped off by a Gilbert kill. The Hornets surged ahead late with a 7-1 run to secure the first set 25-16.
 
Norfolk State struck first in the second set, as Ava Berry's kill gave the Spartans a 5-4 advantage. Delaware State responded with a run of its own to build a 14-10 lead. Gilbert and Mataira trimmed the deficit, but the Hornets pulled away late to win 25-18.
 
The Spartans built momentum in the third set, using a 7-2 run to take a 13-9 lead. Gilbert sparked a three-point rally to stretch the advantage to 17-13. Delaware State answered once more, closing the set on a 13-4 run to claim the match.
 
The Spartans will return to action on Oct. 10 at South Carolina State at 6 p.m.
 
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