Syracuse Falls to Navy, UAlbany in Doubleheader

By Rahill Jaiswal | @RahillJaiswal

Syracuse Volleyball opened its 2023 season with matches against Navy and UAlbany in the UAlbany classic tournament. However, it wasn’t the opening day SU wanted. The Orange went 0-2 losing both matches in three sets

The first match was at 11 a.m. against Navy. SU started slow, falling behind 6-2 in the opening set. However, Syracuse did a good job of getting back into it, quickly cutting the deficit to two. But the middle part of the set was owned by Navy. The Goats would win six of the next seven points. The Orange couldn’t recover from there, eventually dropping the first set 25-14.

The second set started very similarly to the first. Navy jumped out to a quick lead but SU responded, getting to within one. The middle part of the set would be a rollercoaster. Navy would go up 14-9 before Syracuse cut the deficit to 19-18 thanks to a few Navy errors. The Goats sensed the momentum change and called timeout. After the break, Navy closed out the set on a 6-2 run and grabbed a commanding two-set lead.

Unlike the first two sets, it was Syracuse that started strong in the third. The Orange looked like the better team for most of the set, jumping out to a 14-8 lead at the midway point. But it wasn’t enough as Navy responded with a 10-4 run to tie the score at 18. SU battled hard to stay with the Goats but failed to wrestle back control. Navy finished the set on a 7-2 run to complete the sweep.

A few hours later the Orange would take on UAlbany. Once again Syracuse started slow, falling behind 7-2. The Cuse got to within three midway through the set but couldn’t get any closer after. UAlbany cruised, winning the first set 25-19.

Set two was back and forth. After splitting the first 16 points, Syracuse would go on a 6-0 to give themselves a 14-8 lead. Similar to Navy, UAlbany was able to make up the deficit and tie the match at 17. The two stayed neck and neck from there. But a few late errors from SU proved to be fatal. The Danes would steal the set 25-22.

Even after a grueling second set, SU was able to stay close at the start of the third. The Cuse held a 10-8 lead but eventually started to lose their grip on the match. The Danes would go on a 10-2 run putting them in a comfortable position. From there UAlbany swiftly closed out the match to complete the sweep.

The Orange will have less than 24 hours to shake off two disappointing losses. They will wrap up tournament play against UCF on Friday. First serve is set for noon.