Volleyball | 11/4/2025 11:55:00 AM
HAMPTON, Va. – Norfolk State volleyball completed the season sweep over rival Hampton on Tuesday night, defeating the Pirates in four sets (25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25) in the latest edition of the Battle of the Bay.
Match Leaders
Gabrielle Gilbert powered the Spartan attack with a season- and career-high 26 kills — her second consecutive outing with more than 25.
Reagan Chisholm added nine kills, while freshman
Ava Berry chipped in six.
Sophomore setter
Jasmine Mataira tallied a career-best 45 assists to go along with an ace, directing an offense that hit efficiently throughout the night.
Defensively, three Spartans reached double digits in digs:
Mary Nahinu (21), Mya Woos (14) and
Catori Crawford (12). Berry led the front line with four blocks, while Nahinu recorded a team-high five service aces.
How It Happened
Norfolk State opened the night strong, racing to a 5-2 advantage in the first set behind effective serving from Crawford. Hampton rallied to even the score before both sides traded points in a tight battle. A pair of aces from Nahinu and a key kill by Crawford pushed the Spartans ahead late, and Gilbert sealed the 25-21 victory with a decisive finish.
The Spartans jumped ahead early again in set two, but Hampton countered to take a brief 15-13 lead. Norfolk State responded with a 6-2 run sparked by back-to-back kills from Gilbert, ultimately taking the frame 25-22 to go up 2-0 in the match.
Hampton avoided the sweep with a narrow 25-23 win in set three. After NSU built a 12-9 advantage, the Pirates surged back with timely kills to grab the late lead. Despite multiple rallies from the Spartans, Hampton held on to extend the match.
In the fourth, NSU regained control early and never trailed by more than three. The Pirates fought to tie the score at 24-all, but the Spartans responded with three straight points, punctuated by another Gilbert kill, to claim the set 27-25 and the match 3-1.
Up Next
Norfolk State returns home to Gill Gymnasium for its final three regular-season matches to close out MEAC play. The Spartans host South Carolina State on Friday, Nov. 7, followed by North Carolina Central on Sunday, Nov. 9. Senior Day is set for Friday, Nov. 14 against Howard.