DOVER, Del. — The Norfolk State volleyball team pushed Delaware State to five sets on the road Sunday afternoon but came up short, falling 3-2 (16-25, 25-21, 25-21, 16-25, 10-15).
 
Norfolk State dropped to 2-22 overall and 1-10 in the MEAC, while Delaware State improved to 10-15 (6-5 MEAC).
 
Gabrielle Gilbert led the Spartans with 25 kills. Jasmine Mataira paced the offense with 33 assists, and Mary Nahinu anchored the defense with 16 digs. Catori Crawford added 10 digs, while Gilbert and Reagan Chisholm each recorded four blocks.
 
Delaware State jumped out to an 11-4 lead in the opening set before Norfolk State cut the margin to four behind a Nahinu ace. The Spartans trimmed the deficit to 17-15 after a pair of Hornet attack errors, but Delaware State closed on an 8-1 run to take the first set 25-16.
 
A Chisholm kill gave Norfolk State its first lead of the match at 6-5 in the second set. The Spartans built a three-point cushion with help from two Delaware State errors and a Gilbert kill. After the Hornets surged ahead 20-18, Norfolk State responded with a 7-1 run—fueled by two Gilbert kills—to win the set 25-21 and even the match.
 
The Spartans carried their momentum into the third set, taking a 6-2 lead behind kills from Gilbert and Crawford. A kill by Ava Berry stretched the advantage to seven midway through the set. Delaware State pulled within three at 19-16, but Norfolk State held firm to win 25-21 and move ahead 2-1.
 
Delaware State seized control early in the fourth, building a 12-4 lead. The Hornets extended their advantage to 11 points before the Spartans closed the gap late, winning seven of the final 10 points. Delaware State held on to take the set 25-16 and force a fifth.
 
The teams traded points early in the decisive set before Norfolk State pulled ahead 7-6 on a Gilbert ace. Delaware State answered with a 7-1 run to grab a 13-8 lead. The Spartans capitalized on a pair of Hornet attack errors to stay alive, but Delaware State closed out the set 15-10 to secure the victory.
 
Norfolk State returns to action Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the "Battle of the Bay" at Hampton. First serve is set for 6 p.m.