Volleyball Remains Undefeated with Win over UConn

Saturday, August 29

Storrs, CT

3:00 PM

Syracuse University

3-0

UConn

1-2

Syracuse

UConn

Volleyball Remains Undefeated with Win over UConn

8/29/2015 6:41:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

The Orange improve to 3-0.

STORRS, Conn. - The Syracuse Orange volleyball team started the 2015 season off with a bang over the weekend, improving its record to 3-0 after beating the UConn Huskies in four sets at the UConn Invitational Saturday, August 29.

After dropping the first match 30-32, Syracuse went on to win the next three sets 25-17, 25-16, and 25-18. It's the first time since the 2012 season the Orange have started off with a 3-0 record.

Senior outside hitter Silvi Uattara was named the MVP of the invitational after finishing the weekend with a total of 45 kills and 32 digs. In addition, three Orange made the All-Tournament Team; senior setter Gosia Wlaszczuk, freshman middle blocker Santita Ebangwese, and sophomore libero Belle Sand.

"There are always things to work on at the beginning of the season," Coach Leonid Yelin said. "But ultimately we are where we want to be right now. We have to make sure we stay focused and come in ready to work on our weaknesses during practice this week. There are things we need to improve on, but overall it's a great way to start off the season."

The match marked the first meeting of Syracuse and UConn since both teams' transitions out of the BIG EAST after the 2012 season. With the win, the Orange improved its overall series record with the Huskies 29-15.

The 30-32 loss in the first set marked the longest set the Orange have played points wise since the 2007 season, when college volleyball sets were played to 30 points instead of 25.

Silvi Uattara led the offensive surge, pounding out 21 kills and racking up 15 digs over the four sets. Gosia Wlaszczuk produced 32 assists in the win while also tallying 11 kills of her own.

Senior Nicolette Serratore made a solid comeback over the weekend after missing the entire 2014 season due to injury. The outside hitter recorded 10 kills and 13 digs in the win over the Huskies. Serratore compiled a total of 24 kills and 26 digs throughout the three matches.

Sophomore Leah Levert dominated at the net against the Huskies, leading the team with three solo blocks while assisting on six in the four-set victory. Levert ended the weekend with 11 total blocks, while Santita Ebangwese made her impressive collegiate debut, compiling a total of 12 blocks.

The freshman duo of Jalissa Trotter and Annie Bozzo saw ample time in the setter's position over the course of the three matches. Trotter tallied 34 total assists and Bozzo added 22 total assists.

Belle Sand racked up 15 digs against UConn, tying with Uattara for the team-high. Sand finished her impressive weekend in the back row with a total of 29 digs, averaging 2.90 digs per set.

The Orange look to stay undefeated as they take on Auburn this Friday, Sept. 4, in Auburn, Ala. The match is set for 8 p.m.

For all of the latest information on Syracuse volleyball, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Volleyball), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseVB), and Instagram (@cusepics & @cusevb).