SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse Volleyball showed plenty of fight against No. 5 SMU inside the Women’s Building Friday.
The Mustangs level of talent was familiar territory for the Orange, being the second top-five opponent Syracuse played in the last week.
Ultimately, SMU’s quick pace and high-powered offense was enough to breeze past the Orange 25-18, 25-19, 25-16.
Even though the final score suggests a one-sided match, Syracuse head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam saw improvement from their first two ACC matchups.
“Overall, the team did a good job showcasing our performance at a much better level than in the last match,” Ganesharatnam said.
In the second set, Syracuse showed the most life, jumping out to a 4-1 advantage, ignited by an Abby Nicholson service ace. The lead grew to 8-4, the largest of the night for the Orange before an SMU substitution.
The Mustangs stormed back into the set, taking an 11-3 run into the media timeout, putting the ponies ahead 15-11.
Out of the break, the Orange responded well, cutting the lead to just one point twice, but ultimately didn’t have enough firepower as SMU took set two.
“We were right there with them,” Nicholson said. “We just need to have a positive energy and mindset.”
Despite miscues and mental lapses, the second set showed that Syracuse has what it takes to compete with high-level programs, which Ganesharatnam made sure to express to his team.
“If we stay focused, we’re going to put ourselves in a really good position to compete against any team in this conference,” Ganesharatnam said.
The tough schedule doesn’t end for Syracuse, as the team completes its six-game homestand against No. 2 Pittsburgh. That match is set for Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m.