South Carolina State University Athletics

NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 9, 2026) — The South Carolina State women's volleyball team continued its search for consistency Friday evening, showing determination and improvement in the final two sets before falling to Norfolk State 3-0 (25-10, 25-20, 25-21) in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action at Gill Gymnasium.

The Lady Bulldogs (4-16 overall, 0-5 MEAC) extended their conference losing streak to five matches but displayed encouraging signs of progress, particularly in the second and third sets, where they challenged the Spartans and remained competitive throughout several stretches.

Despite the setback, SC State demonstrated resilience after a difficult opening set, improving its offensive execution and defensive intensity against a Norfolk State squad that improved to 7-12 overall and 3-3 in conference play.

Kenna Harris led the Lady Bulldogs offensively with eight kills and four block assists, while Carra Pierre-Louis contributed six kills and two digs. Hedia Lewis added five kills on an impressive .556 hitting percentage, providing an efficient offensive presence.

Arianna James directed the offense with 12 assists, while Jordan Dalland provided a spark from the service line with three aces. Ki'ra Wright added six digs, and Dalland contributed four digs to the defensive effort.

After dropping the opening set 25-10, SC State responded with a stronger performance in the second frame. The Lady Bulldogs recorded 11 kills and improved their hitting percentage to .231, their best offensive showing of the match.

The Bulldogs continued to compete in the third set, producing their strongest challenge of the evening. The final frame featured 11 ties and six lead changes as SC State matched Norfolk State's intensity and briefly held the advantage late in the contest.

SC State rallied from a 19-17 deficit to take a 20-19 lead behind consecutive service aces from Dalland. However, Norfolk State regained momentum down the stretch and secured the 25-21 victory to complete the sweep.

One of the bright spots for SC State was its presence at the net. The Lady Bulldogs finished with six team blocks compared with three for Norfolk State, demonstrating improvement in their defensive positioning and ability to challenge opposing attackers.

While the Lady Bulldogs continue to work through a challenging stretch of their conference schedule, their ability to respond after the opening set and remain competitive late in the match provides encouraging signs as they seek to return to the win column.

Norfolk State was led by Gabrielle Gilbert and Kyleigh Moore, who recorded 11 kills apiece. Jasmine Mataira finished with a match-high 34 assists.

SC State Match Highlights

• Kenna Harris: Eight kills, four block assists and 10 points.
• Carra Pierre-Louis: Six kills and two digs.
• Hedia Lewis: Five kills with a team-best .556 hitting percentage.
• Arianna James: Team-high 12 assists.
• Jordan Dalland: Three service aces and four digs.
• Ki'ra Wright: Six digs and one service ace.
• Team Defense: SC State recorded six team blocks compared with Norfolk State's three.
• Second-Set Improvement: The Lady Bulldogs posted 11 kills and a .231 hitting percentage.
• Third-Set Battle: SC State battled through 11 ties and six lead changes, holding a 20-19 advantage late in the set.

By the Numbers

Looking Ahead

The Lady Bulldogs will look to build on their improved play in the final two sets as they continue MEAC competition. With several conference matches remaining, SC State will focus on strengthening its offensive consistency, limiting unforced errors and maintaining the defensive effort displayed against Norfolk State.

Although the Lady Bulldogs remain winless in conference play, Friday's performance offered positive moments as the team continues working toward its first MEAC victory of the season.

For more information on South Carolina State volleyball and Bulldog Athletics, visit www.scsuathletics.com.

— SC STATE ATHLETICS —