Orange Dominates on Opening Day

Friday, August 28

West Hartford, CT

10:00 AM

Syracuse University

1-0

Rhode Island

0-1

Rhode Island

Syracuse

8/28/2015 12:10:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Syracuse defeats Rhode Island and Hartford at the UConn Invitational.

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The Syracuse volleyball team opened up the 2015 season with impressive three-set victories over Rhode Island and Hartford at the UConn Invitational in West Hartford, Conn.

In the first game of the day, the Orange swept the Rams 25-23, 25-15, 25-14. In the second game, the Orange beat the Hawks in similar fashion, 25-15, 25-17, and 25-12.

Senior outside hitter Silvi Uattara was a true leader in all forms, posting team-highs for kills in both matches while also being at the top of the boards in digs and service aces.

The Orange are back in action tomorrow in Storrs, Conn., when they take on former BIG EAST rival UConn. The match is set for 3 p.m.

Live stats for the final game against UConn can be found here.

Game 1:
Senior outside hitter Silvi Uattara led the Orange offense and defense, posting a match-high 14 kills and team-high 10 digs. The tandem of Uattara and senior Monika Salkute dominated the play at the net, each contributing five total blocks.

Senior setter Gosia Wlaszczuk powered the hitters with 21 assists while racking up five kills of her own. Freshmen Jalissa Trotter and Annie Bozzo also got in on the setting action, with Trotter posting 14 assists and Bozzo contributing two assists.

Redshirt senior Nicolette Serratore made her healthy debut after missing the 2014 season due to injury. The veteran outside hitter racked up six kills and eight digs, while also contributing two service aces.

Freshman Santita Ebangwese made her collegiate debut as a starter, adding six kills to the mix while also assisting on four blocks.

With the victory, the Orange are now on an eight-game winning streak within the Syracuse-Rhode Island series.

Game 2:
Seniors Silvi Uattara and Nicolette Serratore were the aggressors on offense against the Hawks. The two had a combined 18 kills, which accounted for almost half of the total team kills on the evening. Uattara led the team in kills with 10 and Serratore added eight. The veteran duo also led the team in service aces; Serratore served up four aces while Uattara contributed three.

Redshirt freshman Christina Oyawale dominated at the net, leading the team with three total blocks.

Senior setter Gosia Wlaszczuk and freshman setter Annie Bozzo each racked up 13 assists on the night, accounting for 26 of the total 37 assists. The 5-11 Wlaszczuk also posted five kills in the win. Freshman Jalissa Trotter saw some time in the setter's spot as well, adding eight assists on the night.

Sophomore libero Belle Sand fueled the back row in the win, dishing out eight digs.

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