Saada Leads 'Cuse to Victory; Orange Will Host Duke Sunday

Friday, March 26

Syracuse, N.Y.

4 PM

Syracuse University

6-7,6-7ACC

Wake Forest

0-13,0-12ACC

Wake Forest

Syracuse

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

Saada Leads 'Cuse to Victory; Orange Will Host Duke Sunday

3/26/2021 7:27:00 PM | Volleyball

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Syracuse vs. Duke
Live Video/Stats: ACCNX
In-Game Statistics: Stats
Twitter: @cuse | @CuseVB
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Senior Ella Saada recorded a season-high 14 kills and had eight digs and four blocks in Syracuse's 3-0 win against Wake Forest on Friday at the Women's Building. It marks the fourth time this season that the Orange has posted a three-set victory. Saada will be recognized for her contributions to the Orange volleyball program prior to Syracuse's match against Duke on Sunday, March 28th (1 pm, ACCNX). A 2017 Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team selection, Saada has played in every match (102) in her Syracuse career. She leads the Orange (6-7 overall, 6-7 ACC) in kills this season with 112.

In the first set, Saada had three kills early as the Orange jumped out to a 9-2 lead and then scored the final point of the set on a kill to give Syracuse the 25-16 win against the Demon Deacons (0-13). Sophomore setter Lauren Woodford recorded six of her 11 assists in the opening set.

The Orange used an 8-1 run to close out a 25-16 win in the second set. Saada and sophomore Abby Casiano fueled the final stretch combining for five kills in the eight points. Freshman Naomi Franco recorded four of her seven kills in the second.

With the score tied at 16 in the third set, Franco put away a kill to ignite a 9-4 run that secured the Orange victory. Saada had four kills in the third, while Franco, Casiano and Yuliia Yastrub each had three.

Saada's 'Cuse Career
The Kfar Masaryk, Israel native will earn degrees in forensic science and psychology in May. In four seasons, she has 869 kills, 780 digs, and 77 service aces. She has played every match in her Orange career.

The Series vs. Duke
The Orange have won four of the last six matches in the series against the Blue Devils (8-9, 6-6), including three straight wins in 2017 and 2018. Last season Duke outlasted Syracuse, 3-2, in a match that took 2 hours and 55 minutes to decide. The Blue Devils lead the series, 6-4.

Next Weekend
Syracuse will close out the regular season with a pair of matches at Florida State. The Orange will play FSU on Thursday April 1 and NC State on Friday April 2.

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If fans are permitted to attend games – in some capacity – Syracuse Athletics will announce plans for spectators to secure admission to the events. Fans will be required to sit in their socially-distanced seat locations and wear a face covering.