Boone, NC – Deveney Wells-Gibson led Sam Houston with nine kills but Norfolk State rallied to defeat the Bearkats in four sets in both team's opener at the Appalachian State Volleyball Invitational Friday afternoon.

Norfolk State lost the first set but bounced back to win 22-25 25-19 25-19 25-12.

Sam Houston will take on host Appalachian State at 10:30 a.m. Huntsville time and end play in the event at 3 p.m. against Loyola-Maryland during Saturday's action at the Invitational.

Freshman Breana Homer added seven kills for Sam Houston. Senior Haley Neisler and freshman Shelby Genung both totaled six kills.

"We just couldn't seem to get it going," head coach Brenda Gray said. "We'll go at it again Saturday. This group has a strong work ethic."

The Bearkats rallied from deficits of 7-4 and 16-11 to tie the first set 20-20. With two big kills by Wells-Gibson, Sam Houston closed out the set by winning six of the final eight points.

Norfolk State turned the tables in the second set. After an early SHSU lead, NSU jumped out to a 17-8 lead and never looked back. Sam Houston also held early leads in the third set before Norfolk moved ahead 10-9 before winning 15 of the final 25 points. Sam Houston never led in the final set, falling behind 9-2 early.

Setter Tayler Gray led Sam Houston with 22 assists.

The Bearkats were hurt by 33 errors including 25 misses on attacks and 13 return errors. Norfolk State totaled 69 points while Sam Houston posted 49.