Cuse Crowned Candlewood Suites Challenge Champions

Saturday, September 14

Syracuse, N.Y.

11:30 a.m.

Syracuse University

4-5

Chicago State

2-9

Chicago State

Syracuse

Junior Nicolette Serratore was named the MVP of the Candlewood Suites Challenge

Cuse Crowned Candlewood Suites Challenge Champions

9/14/2013 3:12:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Box Score | Season Statistics | Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse continued its dominance at the Candlewood Suites Challenge on Saturday morning with another straight-set victory over, this time over Chicago State.

The Orange (4-5) and Chicago State (2-9) both entered the day with identical 2-0 records in the tournament, but SU's attack proved to be too strong in the three-set match (25-15, 25-9, 25-21). Syracuse compiled a .378 hitting percentage to just .085 for their counterparts.

Junior outside hitter Nicolette Serratore added MVP honors to her tournament nod from last weekend's Candlewood Suites Invitational. Serratore posted a game-high 12 kills and season-high six blocks while just missing out on a double-double with a team-best nine digs. For the three-game event, Serratore hit at a clip of .345 with 2.89 kills, 2.33 digs and 0.78 blocks per set.

Sophomore Gosia Wlaszczuk also earned all-tournament recognition after finishing Saturday with six kills and five digs. In the tournament, she was tops on the team with 2.33 digs per set and hit .480 with 15 kills.

Against Chicago State, sophomore Silvi Uattara had a career-best .556 hitting percentage from 11 kills on 18 attempts and just one error. Freshman setter Erica Handley passed out 36 assists and Lindsay McCabe added six total blocks, including two solo blocks. McCabe, who now sits ninth all-time in program history with 322 career blocks, also entered the career block assist rankings at 10th with 273.

Both teams found themselves in a tight set to begin the match, with the score tied at 11-11 until SU broke free for the next seven points and 14 of the set's last 18 points to take the opening frame.

In the second set, the Orange turned a 2-0 deficit into a seven point lead following nine points in a row. Syracuse went on to record 20 of 25 points for a 20-7 lead and closed out the set on a service ace from Samantha Clarey. SU upped their hitting percentage for the set to .545 with 14 kills to just two errors on 22 attempts.

Chicago State did their best to extend the match beyond the third set, with their largest lead of the morning at 14-10. However, the Orange went on an 8-1 run to take a lead they would not relinquish.

Paula Sioto, an all-tournament team selection, led the Cougars with nine kills and a block assist.

Syracuse returns to the road for the Purdue Active Ankle Challenge where they will meet the nationally ranked No. 22 Boilermakers, along with FIU and Northern Kentucky on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20 and 21.