Cuse Volleyball Drops 2 Games in North Carolina
By Josh Solomon | @JoshSolo29
Since exiting non-conference play, ACC competition has been a struggle for Syracuse Volleyball. The Orange finished non-conference with a 12-0 record, its best start to a season in over a decade. However, most recently in conference play, it seems the ‘Cuse has gone back to its old ways. This weekend SU tried to continue building off its first ACC win of the season last Sunday against Virginia Tech.
First, Syracuse spooked its way into the William Neal Reynolds Coliseum the day after Halloween, taking on NC State. Unfortunately for SU, the ghosts of ACC competition continued to haunt the squad on Friday night. After the quick first set with the Wolfpack up 1-0 after a 25-14 win, that momentum continued to carry into the second set with a 9-1 run from NC State. The Wolfpack eventually went up 2-0 after a 25-13 second set victory. With the Orange seemingly down and out the team was able to show their relentless in the third set. SU was down by just one point in the late part of the set. However, NC State scored five of the final six points and took the third set 25-20 along with a straight-sets victory.
After a rough night on Friday, Syracuse looked to bounce back against Wake Forest on Sunday. The Demon Deacons have also been struggling this season against conference opponents with a 4-7 record before the match. Wake Forest took the first set but Syracuse responded and evened up the match at one set a piece. What killed the Orange in this match? It’s difficult being able to close out the sets. SU was ahead 24-17 in the second set before a late push by Wake Forest. That second set ended in a 25-23 scoreline. Then, in the third set, Syracuse was up 24-20 and it happened again. The Demon Deacons scored five straight points forcing a win by two scenarios and eventually took the set 28-26. After that point, Wake Forest’s momentum seemed inevitable to a victory with a 25-13 fourth set win and a 3-1 match final.
Through the squad’s struggle this weekend two players stayed consistent. Both outside hitters Ava Palm and Skylar George were dominant on the court. In the two matches, Palm recorded a total of 20 kills and 19 digs. George racked up 16 kills and 26 digs.
So, after another weekend in the 2024 season, Syracuse goes winless in ACC play. The Orange now have a 13-11 record on the year and are 1-11 in the conference. Seven of those 11 losses have come in straight sets. SU returns back to the Women’s Building next weekend for a match on Friday against 4th-ranked Louisville and takes on Notre Dame on Sunday.
