Norfolk State dropped its final two matches of the Elon University Phoenix Classic on Saturday, falling 3-1 (25-22, 3-25,25-22, 25-20) to Navy and 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-14) to Georgia State.
NSU (2-12) played Navy (2-9) close for the second straight week. The two teams met last Saturday in the Delaware State Hornet Invitational with the Midshipmen winning 3-0 (25-12, 26-24, 25-19).
Navy took the first set, but NSU rallied in the second set to win it. The Spartans broke a 23-all tie on a kill by Chynna Blaker and got the win when Navy's Holly Berger was charged with a ball handling error.
The Spartans could not get it done in the last two sets, however, giving the Midshipmen their second win of the season.
Ellica Morris had a career-high 12 kills to lead three Spartans in double-digit kills. Elayne Greer and
Charlotte Armstead each added 10 kills.
Nicole Kessner tallied a season-best 40 assists, while Solange Honore and Aurelia Isham
had season-highs of 12 and 11 digs, respectively.
Georgia State was able to hold off NSU to improve to 11-3 on the season. Morris led the Spartans in that match by recording six kills and two of NSU's five aces. Kessner earned her third all-tournament team honor of the season after totaling 69 assists, 15 kills and 12 digs in the three tournament
matches.
NSU travels to Princess Anne, Md. on Saturday to take part in the Maryland Eastern Shore Tournament. The Spartans play Sacred Heart at 10 a.m. and host UMES at 4:30 p.m.