WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — William & Mary split a Saturday doubleheader on day two of the Tribe Invitational, defeating Norfolk State 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-22) before falling to Liberty 3-1 (25-21, 17-25, 25-19, 25-9).

Katherine Arnason was named to the All-Tournament team for the Tribe (4-4), racking up 18 kills and four blocks over the two matches.

GAME ONE VS. NORFOLK STATE
The first set began with a strong performance from the Tribe, highlighted by Nicole Smith's early kill, assisted by Shylah Swope. Despite some back-and-forth play, Arnason and Olivia Westfort led a critical mid-set charge, each contributing key kills and service aces, allowing W&M to claw back from a four-point deficit. With the score tied at 24-24, Arnason's decisive kill and Audrey Brcka's closing strike, both aided by Swope's consistent setting, secured a tight 26-24 victory for the Green and Gold in an intense opening set.

The second set began with W&M jumping to an early lead, fueled by a series of errors from Norfolk State (0-9) and a kill by Arnason from an assist by Avery Horejsi. The home team sustained their momentum with a crucial service ace from Smith. Brcka then contributed significantly with multiple kills and a service ace, reinforcing the Tribe's dominance. Despite a late rally from Norfolk State, W&M clinched the set 25-19, closing with a decisive kill from Smith, assisted by Beatriz Silva.

The Tribe opened the third set with a strong defensive effort, despite an early surge from Norfolk State, who took a 3-0 lead on service aces by Briana Ellis. Smith's kill sparked a rally, aided by consistent assists from Swope, allowing W&M to even the score. Silva's consecutive service aces shifted momentum, and a critical block by Sophia Van Name and Damisi Osibodu enabled the team to pull ahead. Horejsi played a pivotal role in the closing stages, delivering a service ace and setting up Devereaux Hoxsie for back-to-back kills, securing a 25-22 victory in the set.

GAME ONE NUGGETS

• Smith recorded six kills
• Arnason led the way with 11 kills
• Osibodu collected six total blocks
• Westfort had five kills, three aces, and a solo block

GAME TWO VS. LIBERTY
The opening set saw a competitive start as the Tribe traded points with Liberty (8-1), highlighted by Ryann Love's kill at 1-0 and Devereaux Hoxsie contributing at 2-1. Beatriz Silva was pivotal in setting up multiple points, including a significant kill by Nicole Smith at 4-3. Despite falling behind 11-8, Katherine Arnason and Olivia Esposito combined for a block to temporarily halt Liberty's momentum at 18-11. A late surge by W&M, featuring strong plays from Smith, brought the score to 23-20, but Liberty ultimately closed the set at 25-21.

Green and Gold capitalized on a strong start in the second set, quickly establishing momentum with a series of key plays. Silva set up numerous successful attacks, including an early kill by Audrey Brcka and a service ace by Hoxsie at 3-1, which was part of an impressive stretch where the home team scored eight consecutive points to lead 10-1. Smith stood out with her consistent scoring, notching multiple kills, while Arnason and Love contributed defensively, including crucial blocks that helped maintain the lead. Despite a late push from Liberty, which brought the score to 24-17, W&M sealed the set with a service error by the visitors, closing it 25-17.

The Tribe entered the third set with determination, as Silva quickly responded to Liberty's opening point with a kill at 0-1. Despite Liberty's early 3-1 lead, Brcka kept the team competitive with multiple kills, aided by assists from Shylah Swope, closing the gap to 5-5. However, Liberty capitalized on service errors and extended their advantage with a 20-12 lead. Hoxsie and Brcka each delivered crucial kills in an effort to close the deficit, but a service error ultimately ended the set at 25-19 in favor of Liberty.

In the fourth set, Green and Gold faced a challenging start as Liberty surged ahead with a 5-1 lead, driven by effective plays from Carly O'Brien and Alison Bierwagen. Despite a spirited effort with kills from Hoxsie and Brcka, the team struggled to halt Liberty's momentum, falling behind 16-7. Liberty continued to capitalize on errors, closing out the set 25-9 with consistent scoring, supported by Paige Overcash and Jenna Otts.

GAME TWO NUGGETS

• Horejsi had a match-high 29 digs
• Brcka led the Tribe with 14 kills and 16.5 points
• Smith tallied 12 kills
• Silva dished out 20 assists and added 11 digs for a double-double

TRIBE INVITATIONAL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Katherine Arnason, William & Mary
Gabrielle Gilbert, Norfolk State
Taryn Gilreath, East Carolina
Carly O'Brien, Liberty
Paige Overcash, Liberty

UP NEXT
The Tribe will travel to Harrisonburg, Va. to take on Delaware State in the Erie Insurance Invitational at James Madison. The match is set for Saturday, Sep. 20, at 11 a.m.