Syracuse volleyball has strong offensive showing in 3-0 loss at Duke

By Zac Ventola | @ZacVentola

Durham, N.C. – In its second match in North Carolina this weekend, Syracuse volleyball (6-15, 1-11 Atlantic Coast Conference) had a tight fight against Duke (16-6, 8-4 ACC). Although the final score was a 3-0 sweep, the Orange had one of their best showings of the season against the Blue Devils.

The first set of the afternoon was tight from start to finish. While SU led by four points early on, Duke rallied back to tie it back up. Both squads went back-and-forth throughout the remainder of the set, before a kill by ‘Cuse outside hitter Kiernan Stamey sent the set into extra points. However, a Blue Devils kill and an Orange attack error ultimately clinched the set-win for Duke, by a 27-25 margin.

The second set of the afternoon played out relatively similar. Although Duke went on a run early, SU rallied back and kept it close. The Orange tied the Blue Devils at 16 points each, but Duke went on a small run shortly after. However, Syracuse knotted the set back up at 20 points apiece. However, Duke scored five of the final seven points to take a 25-22 set-win.

The third set started out in Syracuse’s favor, but Duke quickly rallied ahead for its most convincing win of the afternoon. SU led 10-5 early on before allowing Duke to score eight of the following nine points. The Blue Devils followed that up with a four-point run, then later a seven-point run, to clinch a 25-15 win.

SU may have had one of its best matches offensively this season. Outside hitter Marie Laurio set a career-high with 18 kills, while the ‘Cuse hit .283 on the afternoon.

Syracuse’s next opportunity to bounce back comes this Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. against Boston College (12-11, 3-9 ACC).

For coverage of the Orange vs. Eagles and the remainder of Syracuse volleyball’s season, follow @ZacVentola and @CitrusTVSports on X.