George, McLaughlin Post Double-Doubles in 3-0 Sweep of UAlbany

Thursday, September 4

Albany, NY

6:00 PM

Syracuse University

4-0,0-0ACC

UAlbany

2-2,0-0America East

Syracuse

UAlbany

George, McLaughlin Post Double-Doubles in 3-0 Sweep of UAlbany

9/4/2025 8:45:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

The Syracuse University Volleyball team (4-0, 0-0 ACC) hit the road for the first time this season, heading East for the UAlbany Invitational. The Orange started with the hosts of the event, the UAlbany Great Danes. The Orange spoiled the Great Danes' home-opener, sweeping UAlbany, 3-0, at the University Gym.

Senior Gabby McLaughlin posted her fourth-consecutive double-double to start her Syracuse career, recording a team-high 13 kills to go with 14 digs. Junior Skylar George had another strong showing, also posting a double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs. She recorded nine kills in the first two sets alone, helping jumpstart the Orange's early lead.

Sydnie Waller was efficient, racking up eight kills on 14 attempts. Soana Lea'ea was once again a dual-threat, recording two blocks and three kills, including the match-clinching point. Sophomore Ashlee Gnau entered the match for a few serves, notching three aces in the process to help lift the Orange to their first road win of the year.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Orange stumbled a bit out of the gate, trading the opening points with the Great Danes to see Syracuse trail, 5-6, early. Four of the Danes' opening six points were scored via attack errors on the part of the Orange.

The Orange continued to trade blows, finding themselves tied up at 11 just a few minutes later. George and McLaughlin took over, though, rattling off three consecutive kills to spark a 14-6 run to finish the set. The set was clinched with a perfectly paced serve for an ace from Rana Yamada, sealing a 25-17 win.

The second set was not quite as closely contested, opening on a 6-1 run headlined by back-to-back aces from Gnau to set the tone. McLaughlin and George combined for nine kills in the set to lift the Orange to a 25-12 set win.

The Great Danes pushed the Orange to their closest set of the young season in the third and final set. The two squads traded blows until UAlbany opened up a 20-17 lead to put the Eagles on the ropes. The Danes eventually were a point away from stealing the set, with a 24-23 lead. Yet, capped off by a ferocious kill from Lea'ea, the Orange went on to win four of the next five points to seal the match.

NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Gabby McLaughlin's strong start to her Syracuse career continued, posting her fourth straight double-double with 13 kills and 14 digs.
Skylar George recorded a season-high 12 kills in the win, adding 10 digs for her first double-double of the year. George had nine kills across the opening two sets.
Tehya Maeva posted her Syracuse career-high in assists, recording 37 in the win.
Sydnie Waller swung a team-best .500 in the win, recording eight kills to go with a block against the Danes.
Ashlee Gnau notched three aces, the most by a member of the Orange in a single match this season so far.
The Orange held the Great Danes to a .067 hitting percentage across three sets, including a mark of -.029 in the dominant second set.

UP NEXT
The Orange will be back in action tomorrow afternoon when they take on the Canisius Golden Griffins. The match will start at 3:00 PM and take place at UAlbany's University Gym.

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