NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State volleyball team outlasted North Carolina Central in a five-set battle (12-25, 25-13, 25-21, 17-25, 15-13) on Sunday afternoon at Gill Gymnasium.
 
Norfolk State improved to 5-22 overall and 3-10 in MEAC play. North Carolina Central dropped to 9-17 (6-7 MEAC).
 
Gabrielle Gilbert led the Spartans with 19 kills, while Jasmine Mataira paced the offense with 39 assists. Mary Nahinu anchored the defense with 16 digs, followed by Mataira with 12 and Gilbert with 10. At the net, Ava Berry recorded a match-high eight blocks.
 
North Carolina Central took control early, opening a 14-5 lead behind a strong offensive attack.  Norfolk State attempted to slow the momentum with kills from Isis Castille and Mya Wood, but the Eagles continued to hold the advantage. NCCU closed the set on a 5-2 stretch to take it 25-12.
 
Both teams traded points to start the second set. A Gilbert kill put NSU ahead 10-9, before the Eagles responded with a 6-1 run to gain a four-point lead. Norfolk State countered with a 5-0 surge to move ahead 16-15. The Spartans continued to apply pressure, using an 8-3 run to reach set point at 24-20. NCCU held off two set points, but NSU closed the frame 25-23 to even the match.
 
Norfolk State grabbed a 6-5 lead to start the third set, but NCCU answered by scoring six of the next seven points to go ahead 11-7. NSU worked back into the set, tying it at 16 after back-to-back kills from Reagan Chisholm and Gilbert. The Spartans maintained momentum, pushing ahead 20-17. After NCCU cut the lead to one, NSU secured the set 25-21 to take a 2-1 match advantage.
 
The teams traded points early, playing to a 6-6 tie. Norfolk State swung the momentum with four straight points for a 10-6 lead. NCCU answered with a 6-2 run to tie the set at 12-12. From there, NSU closed out the match behind kills from Wood and Gilbert to secure the 15-13 set win and the match victory.
 
 
Norfolk State returns to action on Friday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. for Senior Day against Howard at Gill Gymnasium. 

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