Volleyball Sweeps Duke in Three Clean Sets to Gain First Conference Win

By Annie Klaff

CitrusTV Social Media Director/Volleyball Beat Reporter

DURHAM, N.C. – Syracuse Volleyball has shown exceptional performances all season. When their first Atlantic Conference competition rolled up, it appeared as if the Orange had finally met some bumps along the way. In SU’s conference opener against Boston College on Wednesday, they accepted just their second loss of the year. 

Today however, the tables turned for the Orange’s position in conference match-ups. Syracuse defeated Duke in three quick sets. The strong victory today brought SU’s season record to 12-2, one of those wins marking their first conference win. 

Syracuse took the first set by a close score of 25-22. Set two wasn’t as tight with the Orange controlling court play by a seven point lead. The third set presented the Blue Devils’ strongest fight all match, where they took their first lead of the day late in the set. Despite this, Syracuse pulled ahead with a big push to defeat Duke 27-25. 

The Orange’s showing today certainly remained true to their sweep result. ‘Cuse crushed the Blue Devils in significant ways, including but not limited to, kills, assists, and digs. Syracuse secured 16 more kills than Duke and 17 more assists, thanks to the help of Elena Karakasi. The setter put up 42 out of SU’s 50 assists today. Sophomore Lauren Hogan made an extreme contribution to the team’s dig domination after making her debut. Hogan led the team with 13 total digs. 

Today’s match was huge for Syracuse, coming back for conference redemption after BC on Wednesday. SU currently stands fifth in the ACC table. They’ve got four incredibly strong teams ahead of them, two of which remain undefeated: Louisville and Pittsburgh. But, it is still early in the season. There’s plenty of room for the table to change with the vast talent in this conference. 

Looking ahead toward the near future for the Orange, there’s a little under a week before their next match. Hopefully for SU, the home court advantage will push them to their second win in the conference season.

“I know the players are eager to perform in front of their friends and fans this weekend,” said Head Coach Leonid Yelin following the match. 

The Orange welcome Wake Forest (9-4, 0-2 Atlantic Coast) next Friday at 7 P.M. 

aklaff@citrustv.net | @annieklaff