SYRACUSE, N.Y. — After a triumphant 3-1 win against Virginia on Friday, Syracuse was looking to gain momentum and win back-to-back conference games for the first time in over four years.
It seemed as if the Orange would secure the win over Virginia Tech, but late momentum shifted in the fourth set, giving the Hokies a nail-biting victory in five sets.
Syracuse was leading 18-11 in the fourth set when Virginia Tech proceeded to go on a run.
After tying the match and sending the game to its fifth set, Virginia Tech and Syracuse remained close and were deadlocked 10-10.
However, when a coach’s challenge failed due to a mechanical failure in the replay system, Virginia Tech seized control and never looked back, winning the final set 15-11.
When asked about the mechanical issue happening in such a key part of the game, Coach Ganesharatnam didn’t attribute the malfunction to the loss.
“Obviously the timing is very unfortunate. However, things like this [happen] and that’s just a part of competition,” Ganesharatnam said.
Abby Nicholson had one of her best games of the season, leading the team with 12 kills and 10 blocks. When asked about her performance, she was quick to shout out freshman setter Charis Burge.
“Charis and I were really connecting,” Nicholson said. “Everyone was really cohesive and did a great job working together.”
That connection and growth of chemistry is something the team values heavily entering the final stretch of the season, as Nicholson spoke on the importance of the leaders on the team leaving their mark.
“It’s fun to watch everyone grow. They have years left, and they’re already this good,” Nicholson said. “Everyone’s doing a great job, really improving, and I just hope that we can continue to improve.”
Syracuse will be back on the road as the team faces No. 23 UNC at 7 p.m. on Oct. 30.
