Norfolk State rallied from a 2-1 deficit to beat Morgan State in five sets, powered by career milestones from setter Jasmine Mataira and a season-best performance from Gabrielle Gilbert. Mataira recorded a career-high 56 assists to reach 1,000 for her career, while Gilbert delivered 28 kills as the Spartans took control in the final two sets.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Norfolk State 3, Morgan State 2 (25-18, 24-26, 27-29, 25-20, 15-11).
  • Mataira: 56 assists, a career high, and 1,000 career assists reached.
  • Gilbert: 28 kills, 33.5 points, five aces and a .367 hitting percentage.
  • Norfolk State hit .340 and recorded 67 kills; both were season highs.
  • Norfolk State improved to 8-14 overall and 4-5 in MEAC play.
Yes, But

The Spartans nearly let the match slip away, surrendering a 23-21 lead in the second set and a 23-20 advantage in the third. Morgan State won both sets, but Norfolk State responded with a seven-point opening run in the fourth and closed the fifth with four straight points.

What's Next

Norfolk State visits Maryland Eastern Shore at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, aiming to complete a season sweep after beating the Hawks in four sets on Oct. 2.

Bottom Line

Norfolk State turned a missed chance in the middle sets into a decisive finish, pairing Mataira’s milestone night with its most productive offense of the season.