Score: VCU 3, Norfolk State 0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-13)
Location: Norfolk, Va. (Joseph Echols Hall)
Records: VCU 3-0, Norfolk State 1-1
 
The short story: Junior libero Alyna Draper led a stout VCU defensive effort with a career-best 23 digs, on the way to a 3-0 win, Friday in Norfolk.
 
FIRST SERVE

• Draper piled up 18 digs in the first two sets alone as VCU built a 2-0 lead. She bested her previous career-high for digs of 22, set as a freshman in 2017
• Freshman opposite Lauren King continued her outstanding early play. She supplied 11 more kills Friday and hit .455 for VCU. She also registered three blocks
• VCU freshman middle Jasmin Knight added seven blocks and four kills, while freshman Kylie Loftis, celebrating her birthday, supplied four kills and five blocks
• Nicole Rodriguez supplied 21 digs for the Spartans

THE DIFFERENCE

• VCU outblocked Norfolk State 12-5 and the Rams limited the Spartans to a .063 hitting percentage
• The Rams hit .248 in the match
• Norfolk State led the first set 17-15, only to watch VCU win 10 of the last 12 points. King and Loftis clinched the 25-19 win with a double block on the final play of the frame

NOTABLE

• VCU improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2013 with the win. The Rams opened at 4-0 that year on the way to a 26-8 record
• King is averaging 2.33 kills and 1.78 blocks per set, while hitting .333 in three matches to kick off her college career
• VCU improved to 11-0 all-time against Norfolk State

NEXT UP
VCU will open the home portion of its schedule when it hosts conference-foe George Mason on Sunday, Jan. 31 at noon at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Attendance will be limited to 250 spectators due to COVID-19 protocols. For tickets, call 804-828-RAMS or visit VCUAthletics.com.