Syracuse Struggles – Can’t Pull Off The Upset

By Nick Luttrell

CitrusTV Volleyball Beat Reporter

BLACKSBURG, V.A. — On Saturday afternoon, #23 Georgia Tech (11-2, 11-2 Atlantic Coast) took care of business and swept Syracuse (5-6, 5-6 Atlantic Coast) in straight sets, 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-10). 

A few minutes into the first set it looked to be all Syracuse. They were getting good opportunities on the offensive end and Georgia Tech was struggling on the defensive end. Despite starting the game on a 4-0 run, the Orange would give up the next five points. Just like that their lead was gone.

The remainder of the first half was a back and forth game – similar to how many of Syracuse’s games have been this season. The Orange boasted a better hitting percentage and fewer hitting errors. However, the Yellowjackets narrowly pulled ahead to take the first set 25-23. 

After the crushing loss in the first, it seemed like Syracuse could never recover. While the Orange were holding on to a one-point deficit early on, the Yellowjackets rattled off an 8-1 run that forced a timeout from Coach Yelin. Syracuse then tried to go on a run of their own, but ultimately didn’t have the firepower to come back as the Yellowjackets won the second set 25-15. 

The third set didn’t get any better for Syracuse. The momentum they had after starting the game up 4-0 was now just a distant memory. The Yellowjackets scorched the Orange early on, scoring 11 in a row, 7 of which were kills. Quickly, Syracuse found themselves in a hole they couldn’t dig themselves out of as Georgia Tech won the third set 25-10. Syracuse’s 10 points were the lowest number they’ve scored in a set since October of 2018. 

A big help for the Yellowjackets was junior Mariana Brambilla, who finished the day with a team-high 14 kills. This was expected as the Brazilian native currently sits at second in the ACC in kills per set with 4.56. On the Syracuse side, senior Ella Saada led the way with nine kills. However, as a team the Orange struggled mightily as they had 16 attack errors and 7 service errors.

Syracuse will look to bounce back tomorrow at 1:00 pm inside the Cassell Coliseum as they will face the home team, Virginia Tech. You can watch that game on ACCNX or follow @nickluttie for live updates. 

naluttre@syr.edu | @nickluttie