Syracuse University
6-2
University of Rhode Island
2-5
Orange Captures Second Tournament Crown at Rhode Island
9/12/2009 9:40:58 PM | Volleyball
Rhode Island Box Score | New Hampshire Box Score
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Orange captured its second tournament title of the season, defeating Rhode Island, 3-1, and New Hampshire, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon to earn the Rhode Island Tournament crown. Syracuse improved to 7-2 on the season with the pair of victories.
“We played really well today,” assistant coach Carol LaMarche said. “This was the first time we've had to play back-to-back games and we were able to focus on one opponent at a time. Rhode Island tried some new things against us that we haven't seen this season, but we responded well.”
Middle blocker Sarah Morton led the Orange offensively with 28 kills through the two matches, earning Rhode Island Tournament MVP honors while outside hitter Kacie MacTavish had 25 and was named to the all-tournament team. Junior Hayley Todd had 13 kills while sophomore Erin Little added 10. Freshman setter Laura Homann fueled the SU attack, dishing out 76 assists and matching a career-high with 49 helpers against Rhode Island. Homann also earned all-tournament team honors for her part in Syracuse's tournament title.
MacTavish was also the defensive leader for the Orange with 26 digs while Lefebvre had 24 and senior Shanetha McLaurin added 20. Morton continued to turn away opponents at the net, posting 13 total blocks.
In the first game of the day against Rhode Island, the tournament hosts took a close first set 25-22, before Syracuse captured the next three, 25-16, 25-22 and 25-16, for a 3-1 match victory.
The Orange continued its momentum into its second game of the day against New Hampshire. Despite the Wildcats familiarity with Syracuse's game plan, SU was able to cruise to a 3-0 victory (25-20, 25-18, and 25-19).
Syracuse looks to expand its win streak on Tuesday, September 15, when it visits Buffalo at 7 p.m.
