Smith Achieves Season-High in Loss to Wolfpack

Sunday, November 5

Raleigh, N.C.

1 p.m.

Syracuse University

2-22,0-14ACC

NC State

18-7,8-6ACC

Syracuse

NC State

2023 Volleyball Laila Smith Against Boston College

11/5/2023 3:17:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Highlights

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Syracuse University volleyball team lost at NC State on Sunday afternoon in straight sets (25-15, 25-20, 25-14). Junior Laila Smith had a season-best nine kills on 19 attacks to lead the Orange offense.

"Today's performance against NC State was much better than our performance against Boston College," said head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam. "I though the belief, chemistry, level of effort and willingness to compete on the court today was much better. NC State is supposed to be top five in the conference, and I think it's a good sign that we can compete with them to a certain point, so there is a lot we can be positive about."

The first set saw 'Cuse take the lead six different times in the front half of the frame. It was neck-and-neck early on, nine times the score was tied, until NC State went on a nine-point run to take the lead, 17-9. The Wolfpack went on to win the first frame, 25-15.

The Orange fought back in the second set, taking an early lead after an ace from freshman Greta Schlichter, 5-3. After a five-point run from NC State, 'Cuse responded with a four-point run including an ace from freshman Veronica Sierzant to cut the Wolfpack lead to two, 15-13. The Orange kept it within two points until the end of the set, where NC State went on a 5-1 scoring-run to win the frame, 25-20. The Wolfpack led early in set three, 13-4, and never lost the lead, winning the set and match, 25-14.

Of Note:

Smith recorded a season-high nine kills on .421 percent hitting, one less than her career-best ten kills.
Sierzant chipped in a team-high 11 assists and two block assists.
Graduate Lauren McCabe had three kills on 10 attacks with one block assist.

Next Match:
Syracuse will return home to the Women's Building for a rematch against Florida State on Friday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. The match will have live stats available and can be streamed live on ACC Network Extra.

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