Volleyball Sweeps New Hampshire 3-0 to Open 2018 Season

Friday, August 31

Storrs, CT

5 pm

Syracuse University

1-0

University of New Hampshire

1-4

New Hampshire

Syracuse

Photo by: MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI

Volleyball Sweeps New Hampshire 3-0 to Open 2018 Season

8/31/2018 7:35:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Syracuse vs. UNH Volleyball Box Score

STORRS, CONN. – An outstanding performance that featured 17 kills by freshman Polina Shemanova helped lift the Syracuse volleyball team to a season opening victory Friday night. The Orange defeated New Hampshire, 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-21), at the UConn Invitational in Storrs, Conn.

Led by Shemanova's game-high 17 kills, the Orange recorded a team .351 hitting percentage that also included an 8-of-12 performance by redshirt senior Amber Witherspoon.

How It Happened
With a strong presence at the net the Syracuse Orange totaled 12 team blocks and held New Hampshire to only a .138 hitting percentage.

After opening the first set 5-2, Syracuse was unable to shake the Wildcats until a 9-3 run gave the Orange an 18-13 lead they would not relinquish. Six Syracuse blocks against five New Hampshire service errors gave the Orange enough space for a 25-21 first set victory.

After never trailing in the second set, Syracuse found itself behind early, 7-3, in the third. The Orange slowly chipped away at the Wildcats lead drawing it even at 12-12. After trading points back and forth,  four kills by Christina Oyawale and Shemanova helped push Syracuse out to a 23-18 lead. The Orange dominated the third set with a .467 hitting percentage and 10 kills from Shemanova.

Defensive Standouts
After out blocking opponents in 34 of 36 matches last season, the Orange continued their dominance at the net.  Syracuse totaled 12 team blocks, while Witherspoon, Santita Ebangwese, and Jalissa Trotter all recorded six individual blocks.

Of Note
Shemanova's game-high 17 kills are the most in a season opener for the Orange since Nicolette Serratore in 2012.

What's Next
The Orange will continue play at the UConn Invitational where they are set to take on hosts, UConn Saturday at 2 p.m.

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