In the first set, Hampton (2-1) got off to a fast start and jumped out to an 18-9 lead. But NSU (2-2) rallied behind the serves of Aurelia Ishmam to come within one point, 20-19. The Spartans tied it 21-all on a service ace by Nicole Kessner and held the Lady Pirates at bay for the rest of the set.

The second set was close from the beginning, but the Spartans went on a 9-2 run to end it.

Not wanting to go home without winning at least one set, the Lady Pirates turned up the heat toward the end of the third set. Tied at 12-all, Brittany Wynne delivered a dominating kill and Hampton outscored NSU 12-6 the rest of the way.

The Spartans did not quit, however, and they put on a show in the fourth set for the 213 fans in attendance. NSU broke a 12-all tie on a kill by Charlotte Armstead and the Spartans did not look back after that.

NSU benefited from its season-highs of 17 service aces and 10 total blocks. Isham had a match-high seven aces and added eight digs and seven kills.

Elayne Greer also had seven kills and four total blocks (two solo), while Tracey Copley had a match-high 12 digs and Kessner led all players with 25 assists.

Wynne had a match-high nine kills for Hampton and Mika Chow had 13 assists.

The Spartans will travel to Blacksburg, Va. to play in the Virginia Tech Tournament this weekend. They play Arkansas at 4 p.m. on Friday and they take on host VT at noon on Saturday followed by East Carolina at 4 p.m.