Orange to Wrap Up Non-Conference Schedule with Syracuse Invitational

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University Volleyball program (6-2, 0-0 ACC) is getting set to conclude its 10-match non-conference slate this weekend as the Orange get set to host the Syracuse Invitational. 'Cuse will take on Siena on Friday evening before meeting up with St. John's on Saturday. Le Moyne will also participate in the event, clashing with Siena in a neutral site match at the Syracuse University Women's Building.

This weekend serves as the final tune-up before jumping into ACC-play. The Orange have fared well thus far, averaging 14 kills per set along with a .250 hitting percentage while holding opponents to a .154 hitting percentage, the sixth-best mark in the ACC during non-conference play.

GETTING SET FOR THE SYRACUSE INVITATIONAL

The Orange will keep the 2025 season rolling along as they get set to wrap up the non-conference segment of their schedule.
Syracuse will square off with Siena on Friday evening at 6:00 PM before wrapping up the event with a clash against St. John's on Saturday, also at 6:00 PM.
The Orange are looking to get back on track this weekend after seeing their six-match winning streak snapped this past weekend.
Le Moyne will also appear in the event, taking on Siena on Friday afternoon at the Syracuse University Women's Building.

NEW NAMES, BIG IMPACTS

Head Coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam and his staff brought in 10 new student athletes to round out the 2025 roster.
The coaching staff brought in seven student athletes with collegiate volleyball experience under their belt, including three who played in the Mountain West Conference, and two with experience competing in The Big West Conference.
Through six matches, newcomers Gabby McLaughlin leads all Syracuse players in kills (112), Tehya Maeva leads in assists (257), and Rana Yamada leads the way in aces (12) and digs (108).

GABBY GETS IT DONE

One of the Orange's newest additions, Gabby McLaughlin, has been absolutely dominant in the start to her Syracuse career.
McLaughlin leads the Orange in kills with 112 through eight matches and has been named the MVP in both tournaments Syracuse has taken part in this season.

NOT IN OUR HOUSE

The Syracuse defense has been impressive thus far, holding opponents to a hitting percentage under .100 in half of the matches this season.
The Orange racked up a season high 11 blocks in the UAlbany Invitational finale.
Rana Yamada has established herself as the team's starting libero in 2025, leading the Orange in digs with 108.

OH CAPTAINS, MY CAPTAINS

A pair of transfers from the University of Nevada serve as the 2025 captains, with setter Tehya Maeva and outside hitter Gabriella McLaughlin earning the distinction.
McLaughlin was an All-Mountain West honoree a year ago after posting a team-high 443 kills while Maeva totaled 895 assists.
The two have kept it rolling since starting with Syracuse, with McLaughlin leading the team in kills with 112 and Maeva paving the way with 257 assists.

SCOUTING SIENA

The Siena Saints find themselves at 3-6 to start the season.
The Orange and Saints have clashed 27 times before with Syracuse leading the series, 25-2.
Syracuse has won six straight against the Saints, having dropped just one set over that streak.
Head Coach Tyler Kanelos is in his first year at the helm, having come to Siena after four years in the same role at the University of Charleston (WV).
Kanelos compiled a 104-34 record while at Charleston.
Doga Diraz leads the Saints in kills, notching 128 this season.
Diraz has made her presence known on defense as well, with 21.0 blocks this year.
Alara Doganyuz is the starting setter for the Saints, having compiled 227 assists this year.
Ella Treasure is a force at middle blocker, compiling a team-high 23.0 blocks.

SCOUTING ST. JOHN'S

The Red Storm will head to Syracuse with a 2-8 record thus far.
St. John's is led by Joanne Persico, a trailblazer for the Syracuse Volleyball program.
Persico attended Syracuse University and was a three-year letter winner as a member of the Orange.
Persico was inducted into the Orange Plus Hall of Fame in 1988 while also being named the BIG EAST Setter of the Year and Team MVP during the 1986 season.
Persico has been at St. John's for 32 years now and is the All-Time Winningest Head Coach at a single BIG EAST program and has recorded 14 20-win seasons.
Erin Jones leads the team in kills with 107. She posted a season-high 21 in the Red Storm's match against San Jose St. (9/5).
Martina Capponcelli is the starting setter for the Red Storm, totaling 180 assists so far.