Syracuse University
7-418-9; BIG EAST
Cincinnati
9-119-8; BIG EAST
Cincinnati Offense Too Much For Orange
11/1/2009 9:15:35 PM | Volleyball
The Orange (18-9, 7-4) struggled to find its swing against a powerful Cincinnati (19-8, 9-1) offense, falling, 3-1, to the Bearcats on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Arena.
Senior middle blocker Sarah Morton led Syracuse offensively, posting 11 kills while senior outside hitter Kacie MacTavish, junior middle blocker Hayley Todd and freshman middle blocker Samantha Hinz each added six. Sophomore outside hitter Erin Little chipped in four and rookie setter Laura Homann had a pair, but it was not enough to overcome a Cincinnati attack that posted a .341 hitting percentage on the day. Homann directed the Syracuse offense, dishing out 28 assists.
Defensively, MacTavish and senior defensive specialist Shanetha McLaurin paced the back row with eight digs each while Morton added six. Sophomore outside hitter Noemie Lefebvre and Homann each had four digs while Todd posted a match-best seven total blocks.
Syracuse came out strong, taking the first set, 25-21, but the Bearcats fired back with three straight, 25-13, 25-18 and 25-8 to take the match, 3-1.
The Orange looks to get back to its winning ways and extend its nine-match home unbeaten streak on Friday, November 6 when it hosts DePaul at 7 p.m. SU will then entertain the league-leading Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m.
