NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 11, 2025 - The Norfolk State volleyball team returns to action this weekend at the William & Mary Tribe Invitational, set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13, in Williamsburg, Va. The Spartans will face Liberty University and host College of William & Mary during the two-day event.

About Norfolk State
Norfolk State enters the weekend still in search of its first victory of the 2025 campaign after opening against a challenging slate of opponents, including UC Riverside, UCF and nationally ranked No. 16 Florida.

The Spartans' offense is paced by junior outside hitter Gabrielle Gilbert, who leads the team with 76 kills and is averaging 3.17 per set. Reagan Chisholm (1.35 k/s) and Isis Castille (1.26 k/s) provide additional balance on the attack.

Running the offense is senior setter Sydney McCree, who has tallied 142 assists through seven matches (5.92 a/s). McCree is just 176 assists shy of tying Nicole Kessner (2,424) for second place on the Spartans' career assists leaderboard.

Defensively, NSU has three players averaging better than two digs per set in Mary Nahinu (2.86), Mya Wood (2.79) and McCree (2.13). At the net, Ava Berry leads the Spartans with 17 total blocks, averaging 0.71 per set. 

About Liberty
Liberty enters the weekend with a 5-1 record, coming off a straight-set victory over North Dakota at the WVU Mountaineer Invitational. The Flames' lone loss of the season came in a four-set battle against host West Virginia (23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 21-25).

Freshmen Alison Bierwagen and Laney Daniell both earned spots on the West Virginia Invitational All-Tournament Team after strong showings.

The Flames feature a balanced offensive attack with three players averaging better than two kills per set. Paige Overcash leads the way at 3.26 kills per set, followed by Jenna Otts (3.04) and Carly O'Brien (2.52). Bierwagen sets the tone offensively with 152 assists on the year, averaging 6.61 per set.

On defense, O'Brien, Bierwagen, and Molly Littlefield anchor the back row with two-plus digs per set. At the net, Laney Daniell leads the team with 22 blocks (0.96 per set), while Otts (13) and Zoe Hall (12) provide additional support.

About William & Mary
William & Mary enters the weekend with a 3-2 record after a four-set loss to Maryland at the UMBC Tournament. The Tribe went 2-1 at the event, notching four-set victories over Old Dominion and UMBC.

Offensively, Katherine Armason leads the way with 52 kills, averaging 2.74 per set. She is joined by Audrey Brcka (2.68 k/s) and Devereaux Hoxsie (2.05 k/s), who provide additional scoring options for the Tribe.

At setter, Shylah Swope and Beatriz Silva have combined for 148 assists through five matches, while Avery Horejsi has added 30 assists in a dual role. Horejsi also anchors the backline as libero, leading the team with 78 digs (4.11 per set). Defensively, Swope (43 digs) and Brcka (34) contribute to a steady backcourt presence. 

Series History
Norfolk State and Liberty have met three times in program history, with the Flames holding a 3-0 advantage. The most recent matchup came in 2007, when Liberty earned a straight-set victory.

Saturday's contest will mark the 17th all-time meeting between Norfolk State and William & Mary. The Tribe lead the series 15-1, including a 3-0 win in their most recent matchup at the Colonial Classic in 2018.

Up Next
Following this weekend's tournament, the Spartans continue their road trip down to Clemson, S.C. where Norfolk State will compete in the Big Orange Bash at Clemson University Sept. 18-19.

For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.