title image via Matt Patterson
Maya Dawson, Asst. Director of Sports Communications
0
Hamp
3
Winner Norf
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamp | 18 | 16 | 24 | (0) |
| Norf | 25 | 25 | 26 | (3) |
The Norfolk State volleyball team swept the Pirates of Hampton University in straight sets at Gill Gymnasium on Tuesday in th 34th edition of the “Battle of the Bat ” matchup.
The Spartans (3-6) led the Pirates (0-11) by eight at its highest in the first set behind a remarkable .394 attacking percentage on 17 kills and two service aces.
Norfolk State never trailed in either the first or second set capitalizing on every given opportunity. The Spartans swept the Pirates for the second straight match-up.
Sophomores Gabrielle Gilbert and Jala Dixonsparked the Spartans combining for five kills in an early 7-2 run to begin the game. Gilbert finished the first set with seven kills.
Norfolk State tallied back-to-back uncontested runs of 5-0 and 4-0 in the second set to take a 12-6 lead over the Pirates.
A Jordan Lyons kill and two consecutive service aces by Sydney McCree catapulted the Spartans to a 16-8 lead. McCree totaled three service aces, three assists, and two kills in the second set.
The Pirates battled with the Spartans in the third set sending it into tie-breakers. Gilbert tallied four kills and a block assist to put the Spartans at game point 24-23.
A kill by Hampton tied it at 24-24 before Alexa Harris gathered a kill from McCree as the Spartans took a 25-24 lead. With an attacking error by Hampton, the Spartans won the final set 26-24 to beat the Pirates in straight sets for the second consecutive time.
The Norfolk State defense allowed season lows in kills (30) and assists (24). The Spartans collected a season-high eight service aces against the Pirates: Sydney McCree (3), Jordan Lyons (2), Gilbert (2), and Trinity Mitchell (1).
Gilbert secured her second game with at least 20 kills finishing with a .462 attacking percentage. Sydney McCree collected 37 assists as the main facilitator for the Spartans.
Lily Rose-Pichon (13) collected double-digit digs in her fifth consecutive game. Alexa Harris and Arlene Jideofor collected four block assists each.
Checking The Box Score
Gilbert tallied 20 kills behind a .462 attacking percentage
McCree tallied 37 assists for her fifth 30+ assists game this season bringing her season total to 281
Alexa Harris and Adlene Jideofor totaled four block assists each
Lily Rose-Pichon tallied 13 digs for her fifth consecutive game with 10 or more digs
News & Notes
Hampton leads the all-time series over Norfolk State, 20-14
The Spartans hold a (7-11 Previous RECORD) against Hampton at home
The Spartans win their second consecutive match over the Pirates
Norfolk State Head Coach Kathy Bullock is now one win away from 400 career victories
UP NEXT
The Spartans compete in the 2024 Buc Dome Invitational hosted by Charleston Southern University on Sept. 20-21 in Charleston, S.C. at the Buccaneer Fieldhouse.
