Wednesday, November 27
Syracuse, NY
1 p.m.
Syracuse University
vs
Cal
Volleyball Closes Regular Season With California, Virginia Tech
11/26/2024 10:50:00 AM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The regular season for the Syracuse University volleyball team (14-16, 2-16 ACC) will come to a close this week, as the Orange host California (13-17, 5-13 ACC) on Wednesday before travelling to Virginia Tech (7-21, 1-17 ACC) for a Friday showdown.
Wednesday's contest against the Golden Bears at the Women's Building is set for a 1 p.m. start, while Friday's match in Blacksburg against the Hokies will begin at 1:30 p.m. Both matches will be streamed live on ACCNX.
Game, Set, Rematch
Syracuse will close its ACC regular season slate with a pair of familiar foes - California and Virginia Tech.
The Orange have played five-set matches against both teams this season. Syracuse and California squared off in Berkeley on Oct. 12, while the Orange and Hokies met on Oct. 27 at the Women's Building.
Syracuse took the first two sets against California in their first meeting before the Golden Bears pulled off a reverse sweep. Veronica Sierzant (48 digs, 20 digs) and Ava Palm (16 kills, 10 digs) both registered double-doubles and three more players posted double-digit digs - Greta Schlichter (17), Nikki Shimao (11) and Sara Wasiakowska (10)
Against the Hokies, Syracuse rallied from 2-1 down for its first ACC victory of the season. Palm (19 kills, 10 digs) and Skylar George (14 kills, 13 digs) recorded double-doubles and Zharia Harris-Waddy had 13 crucial kills.
Reverse Sweep
Syracuse engineered a two-set comeback against Notre Dame on Nov. 10 for its second ACC victory of the season. After dropping the first two sets, the Orange rallied to win the next three 25-22, 25-22 and 15-12 for their first successful 0-2 comeback since Sept. 30, 2022.
The victory was Syracuse's third to come in a decisive set this season and improved the team's record to 3-2 in five-set matches on the campaign. Both of Syracuse's ACC victories this season have come in five sets, as the Orange also came from 1-2 down to defeat Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
Hot Start
The Orange completed non-conference 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 its 12-0 start to the campaign.
The Orange went 3-0 at the Salt City Classic, Big Apple Tournament, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational to secure its perfect non-conference 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.
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. 9 in the ACC with 346 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 21 of Syracuse's 30 contests.
Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 20 occasions. She became the first Syracuse player to reach 20 kills in a match this season against Virginia on Oct. 23.
In addition to her dynamic hitting, Palm has also stuffed the stat sheet defensively, as her 246 digs lead the Orange. Palm recorded her seventh double-double this season against Boston College on Nov. 20 with 10 kills and 15 digs. It was her sixth double-double to come in ACC play. The graduate student has recorded a double-double all seven times she has reached double-digit digs this season.
The outside hitter is also second on the team with 29 aces and third on the Orange with 64 blocks.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange rank No. 5 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.55). Syracuse has registered double-digit rejections in four of its last five outings, including in both matches last week against Boston College.
Syracuse put down a season-best 19 blocks against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, the most by any ACC team in a match this season and the most by Syracuse since a 21-block effort against Boston College on Nov. 11, 2019.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 94 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 87. Nikolnikova's 1.19 blocks per set are the eighth most in the ACC.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season.
George turned in arguably her best hitting performance of the season on Nov. 20 against Boston College with 18 kills in just four sets of action. The 18 kills were her most in a conference match this season and her most in any contest since she had 19 against Siena on Sept. 12.
George recorded her sixth double-double of campaign against the Eagles on Nov. 24 with 13 kills and 12 digs. All of her double-doubles have come by way of kills and digs.
George has reached double-digit digs nine times this season, which included a career-best 17 dig outing on Nov. 3 at Wake Forest. Her 228 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (237) and her 2.21 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 30 aces lead the Orange.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant has started the last six contests for the Orange with Mira Ledermueller starting the four matches prior.
Sierzant had a career day against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, tallying 56 assists, nine digs, four blocks and two kills, including the clinching kill on match point. The 56 assists against the Irish were the most in a single match by a Syracuse player since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2021. It was Sierzant's first ever match with 50+ assists, as her previous career best (48) came earlier this season against California.
Against Boston College on Nov. 24, Sierzant turned in her fifth double-double of the season with team-highs in assists (39) and digs (13). She also tied her career high with five blocks.
Ledermueller eclipsed 40 assists for the second time this season against Virginia Tech in Syracuse's victory over the Hokies on Oct. 27, as her 41 were her two short of her season-high count.
Sierzant (611) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.54 assists per set rank No. 9 in the ACC.
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy had the best match of her Syracuse career against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, as the sophomore tallied career highs in kills (17) and blocks (11).
The double-double was the first of Harris-Waddy's career and the first Syracuse double-double with kills and blocks since Abby Casiano had one against North Carolina on March 5, 2021. The 11 blocks were also the most in a match by a Syracuse player since Izzy Plummer had 11 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Seven of Harris-Waddy's 11 rejections against the Irish came in the final three sets of Syracuse's comeback, as did 13 of her kills.
Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 51 blocks are the most on the team and her 97 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (191) and Skylar George (130).
Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 13 aces in conference play are tied with George for the most on the team.
Sweet Annie
In her 26 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova currently ranks No. 6 in the ACC (.343) in hitting percentage. The junior has hit at least .400 in 13 contests this season.
Against No. 15 Georgia Tech on Nov. 15, Nikolnikova hit .455 with six kills on 11 swings. Nikolnikova recently hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in a Syracuse victory over Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. Against No. 4 Louisville on Nov. 8, Nikolnikova turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.19) and blocks (94). She has recorded at least three blocks in four straight matches.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 5 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 160 aces this season trail just No. 10 SMU (188), No. 1 Pittsburgh (186), North Carolina (178) and Miami (174) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.52 aces are also the eighth most in the conference.
Skylar George leads the Orange with 30 aces. Ava Palm is one behind with 29. Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 19 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (14) and Veronica Sierzant (12) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 70+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (136), Nikki Shimao (104) and Ashlee Gnau (77).
Schlichter has reached double-digit digs in three straight contests and four of the last five.
Against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, Gnau turned in a career-best 14 digs, which was tied with Skylar George for the most on the team. Shimao posted a new season high with 13 digs on Nov. 20 against Boston College.
Four Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (214), Emma Ortiz (116), Gnau (106) and Shimao (104).
Scouting California
California holds a 13-17 record this season, which includes a 5-13 mark in conference play. The Golden Bears are coming off an ACC weekend split in North Carolina, which included a four-set defeat against the Tar Heels and a four-set victory at Duke.
Maggie Li leads California and ranks No. 2 in the ACC in kills with 427. The sophomore has 20+ kills in three straight matches and tallied 27 against the Blue Devils, her most in a conference contest this season. She had 17 kills against Syracuse on Oct. 12. Peyton DeJardin is California's No. 2 option on offense. She has 288 kills on the campaign.
Natalie Lau is the primary setter for the Golden Bears and is fourth in the ACC with 9.37 assists per set. She posted 36 assists against the Orange earlier this season.
Gianna Bartalo leads the Golden Bears and is No. 5 in the ACC with 4.04 digs per set. She had a career-best 30 digs against Syracuse on Oct. 12. Sawyer Thomsen is California's top blocker with 96 on the season.
As a team, the Golden Bears rank No. 5 in the conference in kills per set (12.00) and No. 2 in digs per set (15.12).
Syracuse vs. California | California leads, 1-0 | Last Meeting: L, 2-3, Oct. 12, 2024
Scouting Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is 7-21 on the campaign and is 1-17 in ACC play. The Hokies pushed Notre Dame to five sets last weekend before being swept by No. 3 Louisville on Senior Day.
Hailey Pearce is pacing the Hokies this season with 297 kills, with Belle Patrick ranking No. 2 on the team with 267. The duo combined for 35 kills against Syracuse on Oct. 27.
Viktoria Wahlgren leads the Hokies with 728 assists and 24 aces.
Defensively, Leandra Mangual-Duran leads Virginia Tech with 306 digs and Jordan Hallman has a team-high 106 rejections.
Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech | Series tied, 9-9 | Last Meeting: W, 3-2, Oct. 27, 2024
Syracuse vs. California Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 27, 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
California Links: News | Roster | Schedule
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Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 29, 2024 | Blacksburg, Va. | Cassell Coliseum | 1:30 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Virginia Tech Links: News | Roster | Schedule
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For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
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Wednesday's contest against the Golden Bears at the Women's Building is set for a 1 p.m. start, while Friday's match in Blacksburg against the Hokies will begin at 1:30 p.m. Both matches will be streamed live on ACCNX.
Game, Set, Rematch
Syracuse will close its ACC regular season slate with a pair of familiar foes - California and Virginia Tech.
The Orange have played five-set matches against both teams this season. Syracuse and California squared off in Berkeley on Oct. 12, while the Orange and Hokies met on Oct. 27 at the Women's Building.
Syracuse took the first two sets against California in their first meeting before the Golden Bears pulled off a reverse sweep. Veronica Sierzant (48 digs, 20 digs) and Ava Palm (16 kills, 10 digs) both registered double-doubles and three more players posted double-digit digs - Greta Schlichter (17), Nikki Shimao (11) and Sara Wasiakowska (10)
Against the Hokies, Syracuse rallied from 2-1 down for its first ACC victory of the season. Palm (19 kills, 10 digs) and Skylar George (14 kills, 13 digs) recorded double-doubles and Zharia Harris-Waddy had 13 crucial kills.
Reverse Sweep
Syracuse engineered a two-set comeback against Notre Dame on Nov. 10 for its second ACC victory of the season. After dropping the first two sets, the Orange rallied to win the next three 25-22, 25-22 and 15-12 for their first successful 0-2 comeback since Sept. 30, 2022.
The victory was Syracuse's third to come in a decisive set this season and improved the team's record to 3-2 in five-set matches on the campaign. Both of Syracuse's ACC victories this season have come in five sets, as the Orange also came from 1-2 down to defeat Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
Hot Start
The Orange completed non-conference 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 its 12-0 start to the campaign.
The Orange went 3-0 at the Salt City Classic, Big Apple Tournament, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational to secure its perfect non-conference 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.
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. 9 in the ACC with 346 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 21 of Syracuse's 30 contests.
Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 20 occasions. She became the first Syracuse player to reach 20 kills in a match this season against Virginia on Oct. 23.
In addition to her dynamic hitting, Palm has also stuffed the stat sheet defensively, as her 246 digs lead the Orange. Palm recorded her seventh double-double this season against Boston College on Nov. 20 with 10 kills and 15 digs. It was her sixth double-double to come in ACC play. The graduate student has recorded a double-double all seven times she has reached double-digit digs this season.
The outside hitter is also second on the team with 29 aces and third on the Orange with 64 blocks.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange rank No. 5 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.55). Syracuse has registered double-digit rejections in four of its last five outings, including in both matches last week against Boston College.
Syracuse put down a season-best 19 blocks against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, the most by any ACC team in a match this season and the most by Syracuse since a 21-block effort against Boston College on Nov. 11, 2019.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 94 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 87. Nikolnikova's 1.19 blocks per set are the eighth most in the ACC.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season.
George turned in arguably her best hitting performance of the season on Nov. 20 against Boston College with 18 kills in just four sets of action. The 18 kills were her most in a conference match this season and her most in any contest since she had 19 against Siena on Sept. 12.
George recorded her sixth double-double of campaign against the Eagles on Nov. 24 with 13 kills and 12 digs. All of her double-doubles have come by way of kills and digs.
George has reached double-digit digs nine times this season, which included a career-best 17 dig outing on Nov. 3 at Wake Forest. Her 228 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (237) and her 2.21 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 30 aces lead the Orange.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant has started the last six contests for the Orange with Mira Ledermueller starting the four matches prior.
Sierzant had a career day against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, tallying 56 assists, nine digs, four blocks and two kills, including the clinching kill on match point. The 56 assists against the Irish were the most in a single match by a Syracuse player since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2021. It was Sierzant's first ever match with 50+ assists, as her previous career best (48) came earlier this season against California.
Against Boston College on Nov. 24, Sierzant turned in her fifth double-double of the season with team-highs in assists (39) and digs (13). She also tied her career high with five blocks.
Ledermueller eclipsed 40 assists for the second time this season against Virginia Tech in Syracuse's victory over the Hokies on Oct. 27, as her 41 were her two short of her season-high count.
Sierzant (611) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.54 assists per set rank No. 9 in the ACC.
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy had the best match of her Syracuse career against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, as the sophomore tallied career highs in kills (17) and blocks (11).
The double-double was the first of Harris-Waddy's career and the first Syracuse double-double with kills and blocks since Abby Casiano had one against North Carolina on March 5, 2021. The 11 blocks were also the most in a match by a Syracuse player since Izzy Plummer had 11 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Seven of Harris-Waddy's 11 rejections against the Irish came in the final three sets of Syracuse's comeback, as did 13 of her kills.
Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 51 blocks are the most on the team and her 97 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (191) and Skylar George (130).
Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 13 aces in conference play are tied with George for the most on the team.
Sweet Annie
In her 26 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova currently ranks No. 6 in the ACC (.343) in hitting percentage. The junior has hit at least .400 in 13 contests this season.
Against No. 15 Georgia Tech on Nov. 15, Nikolnikova hit .455 with six kills on 11 swings. Nikolnikova recently hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in a Syracuse victory over Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. Against No. 4 Louisville on Nov. 8, Nikolnikova turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.19) and blocks (94). She has recorded at least three blocks in four straight matches.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 5 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 160 aces this season trail just No. 10 SMU (188), No. 1 Pittsburgh (186), North Carolina (178) and Miami (174) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.52 aces are also the eighth most in the conference.
Skylar George leads the Orange with 30 aces. Ava Palm is one behind with 29. Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 19 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (14) and Veronica Sierzant (12) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 70+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (136), Nikki Shimao (104) and Ashlee Gnau (77).
Schlichter has reached double-digit digs in three straight contests and four of the last five.
Against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, Gnau turned in a career-best 14 digs, which was tied with Skylar George for the most on the team. Shimao posted a new season high with 13 digs on Nov. 20 against Boston College.
Four Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (214), Emma Ortiz (116), Gnau (106) and Shimao (104).
Scouting California
California holds a 13-17 record this season, which includes a 5-13 mark in conference play. The Golden Bears are coming off an ACC weekend split in North Carolina, which included a four-set defeat against the Tar Heels and a four-set victory at Duke.
Maggie Li leads California and ranks No. 2 in the ACC in kills with 427. The sophomore has 20+ kills in three straight matches and tallied 27 against the Blue Devils, her most in a conference contest this season. She had 17 kills against Syracuse on Oct. 12. Peyton DeJardin is California's No. 2 option on offense. She has 288 kills on the campaign.
Natalie Lau is the primary setter for the Golden Bears and is fourth in the ACC with 9.37 assists per set. She posted 36 assists against the Orange earlier this season.
Gianna Bartalo leads the Golden Bears and is No. 5 in the ACC with 4.04 digs per set. She had a career-best 30 digs against Syracuse on Oct. 12. Sawyer Thomsen is California's top blocker with 96 on the season.
As a team, the Golden Bears rank No. 5 in the conference in kills per set (12.00) and No. 2 in digs per set (15.12).
Syracuse vs. California | California leads, 1-0 | Last Meeting: L, 2-3, Oct. 12, 2024
Scouting Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is 7-21 on the campaign and is 1-17 in ACC play. The Hokies pushed Notre Dame to five sets last weekend before being swept by No. 3 Louisville on Senior Day.
Hailey Pearce is pacing the Hokies this season with 297 kills, with Belle Patrick ranking No. 2 on the team with 267. The duo combined for 35 kills against Syracuse on Oct. 27.
Viktoria Wahlgren leads the Hokies with 728 assists and 24 aces.
Defensively, Leandra Mangual-Duran leads Virginia Tech with 306 digs and Jordan Hallman has a team-high 106 rejections.
Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech | Series tied, 9-9 | Last Meeting: W, 3-2, Oct. 27, 2024
Syracuse vs. California Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 27, 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
California Links: News | Roster | Schedule
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Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 29, 2024 | Blacksburg, Va. | Cassell Coliseum | 1:30 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Virginia Tech Links: News | Roster | Schedule
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For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
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