Norfolk State University Athletics

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State cruised past Elizabeth City State 3-0 on Saturday in an exhibition contest at Gill Gymnasium, winning 25-13, 25-16 and 25-12.
 
The Spartans controlled the match from the opening serve, hitting .390 as a team while holding Elizabeth City State to a .037 hitting percentage. Norfolk State also recorded seven blocks and 12 service aces in the straight-set victory.
 
Gabrielle Gilbert led Norfolk State with 11 kills while hitting .296. Reagan Chisholm added six kills on a team-best .667 hitting percentage, while Catori Crawford recorded five kills and hit .500. Nehir Erimez and Jasmine Mataira combined for 34 assists, with Erimez leading the way with 21.
 
Norfolk State took control early in the opening set, using a 9-0 run to turn a 6-4 advantage into a 15-4 lead. Gilbert sparked the stretch with two kills and two service aces, while the Spartans also received kills from Kyleigh Moore and Briana Ellis. Elizabeth City State never recovered as Norfolk State closed the set 25-13.
 
The second set featured a more competitive start before Norfolk State pulled away late. The Spartans led 14-13 before closing the set on an 11-3 run. Gilbert and Chisholm each recorded multiple kills during the closing stretch, while Jazeli Vandenburgh added a service ace. Chisholm finished the set with five kills on seven attacks.
 
Norfolk State carried its momentum into the third set, building a 10-7 advantage before extending the lead to 16-10. The Spartans continued to apply pressure from there, using strong serving and defense to stretch the lead to 22-11. Norfolk State finished the sweep with three straight points, capped by a service ace for the 25-12 victory.
 
Gilbert added five kills in the final set, while Mataira recorded five assists. Kaden Sanders contributed two points, including a service ace, as Norfolk State closed out the match without allowing Elizabeth City State to score more than 16 points in any set.
Norfolk State will open the regular season when it co-hosts the Quest for the Crown Tournament with Old Dominion on Friday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m., taking on USC Upstate at Echols Hall.
 
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.