GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Norfolk State showed early energy and stretches of strong play against No. 16 Florida on Sunday afternoon, closing its trip to the Sunshine State with a hard-fought match that ended 3-0 (18-25, 13-25, 12-25) in favor of the Gators.
 
Gabrielle Gilbert led the Spartans with six kills, while Catori Crawford added five and Reagan Chisholm chipped in four. Chisholm anchored the defense with 10 digs, and Jasmine Mataria distributed 10 assists to pace the offense.
 
The Spartans came out strong in the opening set, jumping ahead 3-1 behind back-to-back blocks from Isis Castille and Ava Berry. After Florida surged ahead, NSU responded with a kill from Mya Berry and an ace from Wood to pull even. Florida used a late 7-2 run to edge the Spartans 25-18.
 
Norfolk State continued to compete in the second set, cutting into Florida's lead midway through. Gilbert sparked the Spartans with four kills during a 5-2 run that brought NSU closer. The Gators countered down the stretch, finishing on a 7-2 run to take the set 25-13.
 
In the third, Norfolk State grabbed another early advantage with a Gilbert ace. Florida rallied with a 9-4 spurt to create separation, but the Spartans continued to push, stringing together points late before the Gators secured the set 25-12 and the match.
 
Norfolk State returns to action Friday, Sept. 5, facing UNC Greensboro at the Campbell Tournament in Buies Creek, N.C.