Orange Outshine Hurricanes, Clinch Win in Four

Sunday, October 2

Coral Gables, FL

12 pm

Syracuse University

3-11, 2-2ACC

Miami

7-9, 1-3ACC

Syracuse

Miami

10/2/2016 2:44:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Weaver powers ‘Cuse offense to conference win

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Freshman Mackenzie Weaver tallied a career-high 23 kills and the Syracuse volleyball team split the weekend in the Sunshine State, outlasting Miami, 3-1, on Sunday afternoon at the James L. Knight Sports Complex in Coral Gables.

The Orange completed the come-from-behind win in four sets (19-25, 27-25, 25-22, 25-21) to advance to 2-2 in ACC play and 3-11 overall.

Weaver had a career day, as the newcomer tallied 23 kills, nine digs and two service aces to lead the Orange to the conference victory.

"She did a really good job really stepping up offensively," associate head coach Erin Little said of Weaver's effort today. "She did well on the serve and all around. She really came up today and helped the team."

As a team, the Orange were dominant at the net, tallying 14.0 blocks to Miami's 4.0 on the night.

"It's great to get the win," coach Little said. "Even after that first set that they dropped, they found a way to come back and then keep the momentum. They really stepped up in blocking and staying disciplined until the end.

"Offensively, the setters did a good job of finding Santita (Ebangwese), who had a great game. Leah (Levert) helped us a lot on the block on the right side."

Sophomore Santita Ebangwese tallied a season-high 13 kills on the game, hitting .591 percent (13 kills - 0 errors - 22 attempts). Ebangwese also added one service ace, two digs and seven block assists.

Fellow sophomore Anastasiya Gorelina was the third Orange player to tally double-digit kills, as she had 11. Gorelina also had six digs, one block assist and a solo stop at the net.

On defense, Leah Levert led the effort at the net, as the junior tallied a season-high 10 assisted stops.

Aliah Bowllan recorded career-high marks as well, as the freshman contributed 20 digs from the back court.

Leading in assists on the night was sophomore setter Jalissa Trotter, who tallied 27. Trotter also was second on the team in digs with 10.

"Jalissa and Aliah were a big help to us defensively. It was a great win for the team, and we'll continue to get ready for next weekend."

The pair of Levert and Ebangwese combined for a stop to mark the first point of the game, but Miami (7-9, 1-3 ACC) jumped out to take the lead in the first set after a 7-1 run to force the first Syracuse timeout.

Both teams registered points back and forth until Miami secured a seven-point lead (19-12) leading into the second Orange timeout of the set.

The Orange made one last stride in the first set by tallying a 7-6 run, but it wasn't enough as the Hurricanes secured the game, 25-19.

After a two-point head start for the Hurricanes in the second set, the Orange found themselves on top thanks to a 6-0 run (8-4 SU).

Syracuse continued the power stride, as the Orange took a seven-point lead (14-7 SU) to force the Miami timeout.

The Hurricanes tallied an 8-3 run after the break to bring the score within two points (17-15 SU) and force the first Orange timeout of the set.

The game was tied four times out of the timeout as the pair fought to reach the 25-point mark. The Orange were able to fend off the Hurricanes and claim set two, 27-25, after a service ace from Weaver and a kill from Gorelina.

The pair kept the game within one point or tied until it was an even 7-7 in the third set.

A 5-0 run gave the Orange a 12-7 advantage and 'Cuse never looked back as the gap stayed within two points or more until the end of the third.

The Orange were able to outlast the Hurricanes to win set three, 25-22, and take a 2-1 lead in the game heading into the fourth set.

After struggling to claim the lead in the fourth game, Syracuse sealed the deal thanks to a 6-0 run to lead the Hurricanes, 17-10.

Miami fought down to the wire to close the gap and force a fifth set, but the Orange maintained composure and closed out the fourth set, 25-21, to win the match 3-1.

The Orange return home to continue ACC play next weekend at the Women's Building. Syracuse hosts Notre Dame for its annual Pink Game on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and then welcomes Louisville on Sunday for a 1 p.m. match. Admission to both games is free of charge.

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