Friday, October 18
Syracuse, NY
6 p.m.
Syracuse University
vs
Miami
Volleyball Hosts Miami And No. 19 Florida State This Weekend
10/17/2024 12:18:00 PM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University volleyball team (12-6, 0-6 ACC) is back at the Women's Building this weekend for a pair of conference matches against Miami (11-6, 2-4 ACC) and No. 19 Florida State (12-4, 4-2 ACC).
The Orange kick off the weekend against the Hurricanes on Friday at 6 p.m. before welcoming the nationally ranked Seminoles on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both matches will be streamed live on ACCNX.
Hot Start
The Orange completed nonconference play undefeated (12-0) for the first time since the 2010 season. Syracuse finished as one of the final seven unbeaten teams in the country after going 3-0 at the Salt City Classic, Big Apple Tournament, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational to secure its perfect nonconference resume.
Syracuse earned its first victory over a power-four opponent this season on Sept. 21, as the Orange topped Iowa State in a thrilling five setter. 'Cuse is 5-2 at the Women's Building this season, which includes five victories at the team's two home tournaments.
Air Ava
Graduate transfer Ava Palm has been the focal point of Syracuse's offense this season. Palm leads the Orange and is tied for No. 8 in the ACC this season with 204 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 13 of Syracuse's 18 contests. Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 11 occasions this season.
In addition to her dynamic hitting, Palm has also stuffed the stat sheet defensively, as her 134 digs lead the Orange. Palm has recorded three double-doubles this season, including two in ACC play. She delivered 12 kills with a season-high 17 digs on Sept. 29 against Duke and put up 16 kills to go along with 10 kills last weekend at California.
The outside hitter also leads the Orange in aces (22) and is third on the team with 37 blocks.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 5 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.60).
Syracuse put down a season-best 17 blocks against California, the team's most in a match since registering 18 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 62 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 57. Nikolnikova's 1.35 blocks per set are the fifth most in the ACC.
Sierzant Shining
Veronica Sierzant has started the last four matches at setter for the Orange and is coming off the best match of her career last weekend at California.
The sophomore set new career highs in assists (48) and digs (20), both of which were also highs for the team this season. It was her first time surpassing 40 assists in a match and the most assists by a Syracuse player in a match since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2024.
Sierzant's double-double against the Golden Bears was her second of the season and third of her career. Both of her double-doubles this season have come in ACC play, as she previously tallied 12 assists and 11 digs against North Carolina on Sept. 27.
Sierzant is now tied with Mira Ledermueller with a team-best 275 assists this season. Her 7.24 assists per set are the 10th most in the ACC.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season. George has registered three double-doubles on the campaign, with the most recent coming against Iowa State on Sept. 21. All three have been achieved with double-digit kills and digs.
The redshirt freshman came one dig away from another double-double against Duke in 'Cuse's opening weekend of ACC play, as she finished the contest with 12 kills and nine digs. George has reached double-digit digs four times this season, and her 112 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (135) and her 2.18 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange. George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 20 aces are the second most on the team.
Sweet Annie
In her 15 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova is currently ranked No. 2 in the ACC and No. 14 in the country in hitting percentage (.429) and has 85 kills (1.95/set). The junior has hit at least .400 in nine contests this season. She hit over .500 in both of Syracuse's opening weekend ACC matches against North Carolina and Duke.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.35) and blocks (62). She ranks No. 3 in the ACC and No. 30 in the NCAA in blocks per set.
We Want Moore
Sydney Moore's 57 blocks are the second most on the Orange this season. Moore is one of just two 'Cuse players averaging over a block per set, along with Anastasiia Nikolnikova.
Moore tied her career high with nine blocks against California last weekend. She led the way in what was a 17-block effort for the Orange against the Golden Bears.
In addition to her defensive presence in 'Cuse's front row, Moore has also been a steady contributor to the Orange offense this season and is one of the most efficient hitters in the ACC. Moore is currently No. 10 in the ACC in hitting percentage (.340) and her 85 kills are tied for the third most on the team. She has hit at least .500 in six matches this season and has hit .700 or better on two occasions.
The graduate student earned All-Tournament honors at three events this season - The Salt City Classic, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational.
Efficient Offense
For the first time since the 2021 season and the first time under head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam, Syracuse hit over .300 as a team in four consecutive matches earlier this year, a stretch that started with the team's season opener against NJIT on Aug. 30 and extended through 'Cuse's match against Columbia on Sept. 6.
'Cuse opened the season by hitting .320 with 35 kills in its win against NJIT. The Orange followed that by hitting .330 later that evening in a win over Lafayette. Against Canisius on Aug. 31, Syracuse hit .376, its best in a match as a team since hitting .398 against South Alabama on Sept. 19, 2021.
Syracuse matched its season high with 57 kills last weekend against California. The Orange hit .471 in the second set against the Golden Bears, their best in an ACC set this season and best in any set since hitting .517 in the second against Canisius on Aug. 31.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 3 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 115 aces this season trail just ACC heavyweights SMU (117) and Pittsburgh (116). 'Cuse's 1.83 aces per set are also fourth in the conference.
Ava Palm has a team-high 22 aces on the season. Fellow outside hitter Skylar George trails her with 20 aces. Anastasiia Nikolnikova and Sara Wasiakowska are tied for the third most aces on the team with 14 apiece.
Stacking Numbers
Syracuse set several new benchmarks as a team last weekend against California.
'Cuse's 91 digs were the most for the team in a match since racking up 97 against North Carolina on Oct. 31, 2021. Veronica Sierzant posted a career-best 20 digs, the most by a Syracuse player in a match this season, Greta Schlichter set a new career high with 17 digs and Sara Wasiakowska tied her career best with 10. Nikki Shimao reached double-digit digs for the first time in her Syracuse career with 11.
The Orange put down 17 blocks as a team, their most in a match since totaling 18 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021. Sydney Moore tied her career high with nine rejections with Sara Wasiakowska (7) and Sydnie Waller (4) also setting new career highs.
Waller put up a career-best 16 kills on a career-high 40 swings. Her fellow sophomore Sierzant set a career best with 48 assists, the most by a Syracuse setter in a match this season.
Scouting Miami
Miami currently sits at 11-6 overall on the season with a 2-4 record in ACC play. The Hurricanes defeated Notre Dame in five sets to start last weekend before falling to No. 4 Louisville in four on Sunday.
On Sept. 7, Miami took down then No. 1 ranked and two-time defending national champion Texas in Austin in a five-set classic. The Hurricanes rallied from two sets down to pull off the reverse sweep and hand the Longhorns their first loss against an unranked opponent since 2014.
Flomarie Heredia Colon leads the Hurricanes and ranks No. 2 in the ACC with 232 kills this season. She is followed closely by Grace Lopez with 226 kills, which ranks No. 4 in the conference. Lopez racked up 25 kills on just 47 swings against No. 4 Louisville last weekend. Setter Ariana Rodriguez has the second most assists in the ACC this season with 570.
Defensively, four Hurricanes have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Yaidaliz Rosado (179), Lopez (138), Heredia Colon (138) and Rodriguez (110). Dalia Wilson (53) and Bianka Lulic (52) are pacing Miami in blocks this season.
In addition to leading the team in kills, Heredia Colon and Lopez also pace Miami in aces, as they have 20 and 19 on the season, respectively.
Syracuse vs. Miami | Miami leads, 13-2 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Oct. 20, 2023
Scouting No. 19 Florida State
The Seminoles are coming off a 1-1 weekend in ACC play that included a narrow five-set loss to No. 4 Louisville followed by a four-set win against Notre Dame. With those results, Florida State enters this weekend with a 12-4 overall record and a 4-2 mark in ACC play.
Florida State checked in at No. 19 in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) top 25 poll. The Seminoles have three victories against top 25 competition this season.
Audrey Koenig leads Florida State with 206 kills. The reigning Co-ACC Player of the Year has registered double-digit kills in 13 consecutive matches, which included a 22-kill outing against the No. 4 ranked Cardinals last weekend. Loren Robertson and Kenna Phelan have split the setting duties for Florida State this season. Robertson leads the team with 334 assists and Phelan has 285. Phelan also has 23 aces to lead the Seminoles.
Five Seminoles have triple-digit digs this season - Taylor Head (169), Koenig (137), Kyleene Filimaua (137), Phelan (112) and Robertson (108). Head posted a season-best 15 digs against No. 4 Louisville last weekend.
Khori Louis leads the Seminoles with 67 blocks this season. She also has the best hitting percentage in the ACC and 10th best in the country at .445. Kelsey Perry's 56 blocks are the second most on the team.
As a team, Florida State ranks No. 3 in the ACC in hitting percentage (.276), No. 4 in kills per set (13.41) and No. 5 in assists per set (12.27).
Syracuse vs. No. 19 Florida State | Florida State leads, 16-0 | Last meeting: L 1-3, Nov. 10, 2023
Match Themes and Promotions
Friday night's match will be Syracuse's Military & First Responders Appreciation Night. Sunday will be Youth Volleyball Day.
Syracuse vs. Miami Briefing
Match Details: Oct. 18, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 6 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Miami Links: Roster | Schedule
Syracuse vs. No. 19 Florida State Briefing
Match Details: Oct. 20, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 1 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Florida State Links: Roster | Schedule
Up Next
The Orange continues its four-match homestand next week with matches against Virginia on Oct. 23 and Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. The match against the Cavaliers will air on ACC Network and the match against the Hokies will be streamed on ACCNX.
For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
The Orange kick off the weekend against the Hurricanes on Friday at 6 p.m. before welcoming the nationally ranked Seminoles on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both matches will be streamed live on ACCNX.
Hot Start
The Orange completed nonconference play undefeated (12-0) for the first time since the 2010 season. Syracuse finished as one of the final seven unbeaten teams in the country after going 3-0 at the Salt City Classic, Big Apple Tournament, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational to secure its perfect nonconference resume.
Syracuse earned its first victory over a power-four opponent this season on Sept. 21, as the Orange topped Iowa State in a thrilling five setter. 'Cuse is 5-2 at the Women's Building this season, which includes five victories at the team's two home tournaments.
Air Ava
Graduate transfer Ava Palm has been the focal point of Syracuse's offense this season. Palm leads the Orange and is tied for No. 8 in the ACC this season with 204 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 13 of Syracuse's 18 contests. Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 11 occasions this season.
In addition to her dynamic hitting, Palm has also stuffed the stat sheet defensively, as her 134 digs lead the Orange. Palm has recorded three double-doubles this season, including two in ACC play. She delivered 12 kills with a season-high 17 digs on Sept. 29 against Duke and put up 16 kills to go along with 10 kills last weekend at California.
The outside hitter also leads the Orange in aces (22) and is third on the team with 37 blocks.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 5 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.60).
Syracuse put down a season-best 17 blocks against California, the team's most in a match since registering 18 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 62 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 57. Nikolnikova's 1.35 blocks per set are the fifth most in the ACC.
Sierzant Shining
Veronica Sierzant has started the last four matches at setter for the Orange and is coming off the best match of her career last weekend at California.
The sophomore set new career highs in assists (48) and digs (20), both of which were also highs for the team this season. It was her first time surpassing 40 assists in a match and the most assists by a Syracuse player in a match since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2024.
Sierzant's double-double against the Golden Bears was her second of the season and third of her career. Both of her double-doubles this season have come in ACC play, as she previously tallied 12 assists and 11 digs against North Carolina on Sept. 27.
Sierzant is now tied with Mira Ledermueller with a team-best 275 assists this season. Her 7.24 assists per set are the 10th most in the ACC.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season. George has registered three double-doubles on the campaign, with the most recent coming against Iowa State on Sept. 21. All three have been achieved with double-digit kills and digs.
The redshirt freshman came one dig away from another double-double against Duke in 'Cuse's opening weekend of ACC play, as she finished the contest with 12 kills and nine digs. George has reached double-digit digs four times this season, and her 112 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (135) and her 2.18 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange. George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 20 aces are the second most on the team.
Sweet Annie
In her 15 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova is currently ranked No. 2 in the ACC and No. 14 in the country in hitting percentage (.429) and has 85 kills (1.95/set). The junior has hit at least .400 in nine contests this season. She hit over .500 in both of Syracuse's opening weekend ACC matches against North Carolina and Duke.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.35) and blocks (62). She ranks No. 3 in the ACC and No. 30 in the NCAA in blocks per set.
We Want Moore
Sydney Moore's 57 blocks are the second most on the Orange this season. Moore is one of just two 'Cuse players averaging over a block per set, along with Anastasiia Nikolnikova.
Moore tied her career high with nine blocks against California last weekend. She led the way in what was a 17-block effort for the Orange against the Golden Bears.
In addition to her defensive presence in 'Cuse's front row, Moore has also been a steady contributor to the Orange offense this season and is one of the most efficient hitters in the ACC. Moore is currently No. 10 in the ACC in hitting percentage (.340) and her 85 kills are tied for the third most on the team. She has hit at least .500 in six matches this season and has hit .700 or better on two occasions.
The graduate student earned All-Tournament honors at three events this season - The Salt City Classic, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational.
Efficient Offense
For the first time since the 2021 season and the first time under head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam, Syracuse hit over .300 as a team in four consecutive matches earlier this year, a stretch that started with the team's season opener against NJIT on Aug. 30 and extended through 'Cuse's match against Columbia on Sept. 6.
'Cuse opened the season by hitting .320 with 35 kills in its win against NJIT. The Orange followed that by hitting .330 later that evening in a win over Lafayette. Against Canisius on Aug. 31, Syracuse hit .376, its best in a match as a team since hitting .398 against South Alabama on Sept. 19, 2021.
Syracuse matched its season high with 57 kills last weekend against California. The Orange hit .471 in the second set against the Golden Bears, their best in an ACC set this season and best in any set since hitting .517 in the second against Canisius on Aug. 31.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 3 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 115 aces this season trail just ACC heavyweights SMU (117) and Pittsburgh (116). 'Cuse's 1.83 aces per set are also fourth in the conference.
Ava Palm has a team-high 22 aces on the season. Fellow outside hitter Skylar George trails her with 20 aces. Anastasiia Nikolnikova and Sara Wasiakowska are tied for the third most aces on the team with 14 apiece.
Stacking Numbers
Syracuse set several new benchmarks as a team last weekend against California.
'Cuse's 91 digs were the most for the team in a match since racking up 97 against North Carolina on Oct. 31, 2021. Veronica Sierzant posted a career-best 20 digs, the most by a Syracuse player in a match this season, Greta Schlichter set a new career high with 17 digs and Sara Wasiakowska tied her career best with 10. Nikki Shimao reached double-digit digs for the first time in her Syracuse career with 11.
The Orange put down 17 blocks as a team, their most in a match since totaling 18 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021. Sydney Moore tied her career high with nine rejections with Sara Wasiakowska (7) and Sydnie Waller (4) also setting new career highs.
Waller put up a career-best 16 kills on a career-high 40 swings. Her fellow sophomore Sierzant set a career best with 48 assists, the most by a Syracuse setter in a match this season.
Scouting Miami
Miami currently sits at 11-6 overall on the season with a 2-4 record in ACC play. The Hurricanes defeated Notre Dame in five sets to start last weekend before falling to No. 4 Louisville in four on Sunday.
On Sept. 7, Miami took down then No. 1 ranked and two-time defending national champion Texas in Austin in a five-set classic. The Hurricanes rallied from two sets down to pull off the reverse sweep and hand the Longhorns their first loss against an unranked opponent since 2014.
Flomarie Heredia Colon leads the Hurricanes and ranks No. 2 in the ACC with 232 kills this season. She is followed closely by Grace Lopez with 226 kills, which ranks No. 4 in the conference. Lopez racked up 25 kills on just 47 swings against No. 4 Louisville last weekend. Setter Ariana Rodriguez has the second most assists in the ACC this season with 570.
Defensively, four Hurricanes have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Yaidaliz Rosado (179), Lopez (138), Heredia Colon (138) and Rodriguez (110). Dalia Wilson (53) and Bianka Lulic (52) are pacing Miami in blocks this season.
In addition to leading the team in kills, Heredia Colon and Lopez also pace Miami in aces, as they have 20 and 19 on the season, respectively.
Syracuse vs. Miami | Miami leads, 13-2 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Oct. 20, 2023
Scouting No. 19 Florida State
The Seminoles are coming off a 1-1 weekend in ACC play that included a narrow five-set loss to No. 4 Louisville followed by a four-set win against Notre Dame. With those results, Florida State enters this weekend with a 12-4 overall record and a 4-2 mark in ACC play.
Florida State checked in at No. 19 in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) top 25 poll. The Seminoles have three victories against top 25 competition this season.
Audrey Koenig leads Florida State with 206 kills. The reigning Co-ACC Player of the Year has registered double-digit kills in 13 consecutive matches, which included a 22-kill outing against the No. 4 ranked Cardinals last weekend. Loren Robertson and Kenna Phelan have split the setting duties for Florida State this season. Robertson leads the team with 334 assists and Phelan has 285. Phelan also has 23 aces to lead the Seminoles.
Five Seminoles have triple-digit digs this season - Taylor Head (169), Koenig (137), Kyleene Filimaua (137), Phelan (112) and Robertson (108). Head posted a season-best 15 digs against No. 4 Louisville last weekend.
Khori Louis leads the Seminoles with 67 blocks this season. She also has the best hitting percentage in the ACC and 10th best in the country at .445. Kelsey Perry's 56 blocks are the second most on the team.
As a team, Florida State ranks No. 3 in the ACC in hitting percentage (.276), No. 4 in kills per set (13.41) and No. 5 in assists per set (12.27).
Syracuse vs. No. 19 Florida State | Florida State leads, 16-0 | Last meeting: L 1-3, Nov. 10, 2023
Match Themes and Promotions
Friday night's match will be Syracuse's Military & First Responders Appreciation Night. Sunday will be Youth Volleyball Day.
Syracuse vs. Miami Briefing
Match Details: Oct. 18, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 6 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Miami Links: Roster | Schedule
Syracuse vs. No. 19 Florida State Briefing
Match Details: Oct. 20, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 1 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Florida State Links: Roster | Schedule
Up Next
The Orange continues its four-match homestand next week with matches against Virginia on Oct. 23 and Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. The match against the Cavaliers will air on ACC Network and the match against the Hokies will be streamed on ACCNX.
For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
Players Mentioned
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