Syracuse Gets Swept for the Third Time; falls to 0-4

By Brad Klein

CitrusTV Volleyball Beat Reporter

LAWRENCE, KS – The Syracuse women’s volleyball team has attributed their early-season woes to inexperience, and a new personnel, with six freshmen in the rotation. The Orange’s first home game is in October, so for the time being, SU aims to improve their team chemistry on a month-long road trip. But after four losses out of the gate, the road trip seems endless. 

For the third time this year, Syracuse (0-4, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) was swept. This time around, it was Arizona (7-2, 0-0 Pacific-12) who did the damage in the second game of the Kansas Tournament.

The Wildcats set the tone early on by winning the first set 25-20. Even though it was Syracuse who dominated the first few points, Arizona catapulted themselves past SU with six consecutive points scored in the middle of the set. That momentum carried them to the end of the frame.

The two squads traded blows in the ensuing set, but the Wildcats triumphed with a 25-23 set victory. Arizona put on a clinic with an immaculate hitting percentage of .389 and kill percentage of .528. The Wildcat outside hitters were spoon fed kills by senior setter Julia Patterson, who floated a ridiculous 39 assists. Those numbers were just too much for Syracuse to overcome. 

But even by the time the third set rolled around, Syracuse did not let up. The Orange played neck and neck with Arizona until the Wildcats beat them to the finish line by the score of 25-22 to complete the sweep. 

Outside hitter Polina Shemanova stood out for Syracuse in the loss. The sophomore piled up a team high 18 kills. The Orange offense was anchored by sophomore setter Elena Karakasi though. The Greek led SU with 28 assists. 

Syracuse will have to hurry back to the drawing board. They visit the Kansas Jayhawks on Sunday, September 15, at 2 p.m.

bwklein@syr.edu | @BradKlein15