Syracuse Volleyball Takes Down Campbell in Season Opener

By: Ryan Bridges | @RyanBridges517
CitrusTV Volleyball Beat Reporter

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Syracuse grabbed its first win of the season against Campbell 3-1. This was one of many firsts for SU, as it was not only the first win of its season, but it was also the first win for new head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam.

The Orange came flying out the gates going on an 8-1 run to start the game. Halfway through the SU run, Coach Ganesharatnam brought on three transfers to make their debut for Syracuse – Alyssa Bert, Didar Ozcan, and Bre Walp. The two sides traded points until Campbell went on a 13-6 run late in the set to make it 23-23. However, after kills from Polina Shemanova and Naomi Franco, Syracuse squeezed out the 1st set 25-23.

Campbell took its first lead of the match in the second set, jumping out to a 5-3 lead. From there, Polina Shemanova and Victoria Lokhmanchuk took over, registering five kills each in the set. The Orange took the second set in convincing fashion, 25-18.

SU was then given its first test of the season in the 3rd set. After Syracuse won six of the first seven points, it committed a whopping eight errors and dropped the set 25-19.

Campbell took the momentum of a do-or-die third set into the fourth set, as the teams were even at twelve. Did the idea of a fifth and final set not cross Coach Ganeshrartnam’s mind? Fortunately for Ganesharatnam, the Orange proceeded to go on a 5-1 run which gave them enough cushion to close out the fourth and final set 25-20.

The Orange will want to rest up as they have a double header against Wofford at 10AM and Charlotte at 7PM on Saturday to finish the Charlotte Invitational.