’Cuse Lose To Virginia Tech In Straight Sets

Friday, October 6

Syracuse, N.Y.

6 p.m.

Syracuse University

2-13,0-5ACC

Virginia Tech

11-5,1-4ACC

Virginia Tech

Syracuse

10/6/2023 9:25:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Highlights

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse was defeated by Virginia Tech (11-5, 1-4 ACC) with a sweep (25-16, 25-13, 25-18) on Friday night for its first home loss in ACC play.

'Cuse (2-13, 0-5 ACC) struggled at the start of the match, giving Virginia Tech an early four-point run to make the score 5-2 in the first set. The Orange were able to stay level with the Hokies, tying the score at 9-9 after a three-point run. Virginia Tech answered with a run of four points powered by three kills from Hailey Pearce to bring the score to 13-9. Later in the set, the Hokies secured the frame win with a seven-point run to make it 23-14, eventually closing out the set 25-16.

Virginia Tech brought the momentum from the end of the first frame into the second, taking the first three points of set two. 'Cuse battled back to come within two points early, 5-3, including an ace from freshman Mira Ledermueller. The Hokies did not let up, putting together multiple small runs to make the score 14-6 in favor of Virginia Tech. A six-point run from the Hokies in the middle of the frame brought the score to 20-7 and the set out of reach for the Orange. A kill and solo block late in the set from graduate Lauren McCabe was not enough, as the Hokies took the second frame, 25-13.

The Orange were not able to stop the opposing momentum, as an 8-1 run early in the third frame brought the Virginia Tech lead to 11-3 and forced a Syracuse timeout. Out of the timeout, the Orange strung together a four-point run to claw their way back into the set, 11-7. After some back-and-forth, 'Cuse put on its best run of the night, scoring six unanswered points powered by two kills from junior Cherlin Antonio, which caused Virginia Tech to call timeout. The timeout was useful for the Hokies, as they returned the favor with a seven-point run of their own, making the score 23-16. Virginia Tech would go on to win the set and match, 25-18.

Of Note:

Freshman Zharia Harris-Waddy had the highest hitting percentage on the team with .400. She also chipped in on defense, accruing two blocks in the match.
McCabe finished the match with a team-high three total blocks, including two solo.
Freshman Veronica Sierzant contributed in multiple facets, collecting six kills, eight digs and a service ace.

Next Match:
The Orange will stay at home in the Women's Building against Wake Forest on Sunday, October 8 at noon. The match will have live stats and will be available to watch on ACC Network.

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