Syracuse Wins Yale Invitational in a Sweep

Saturday, September 4

New Haven, CT

1 pm

Syracuse University

6-0,0-0ACC

Hartford

1-5,0-0America East

Syracuse

Hartford

9/4/2021 3:38:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse recorded a clean sweep at the Yale Invitational, finishing the weekend without losing a single set. The Orange beat Quinnipiac, Yale, and Hartford. For the second invitational in a row, Marina Markova was named Most Valuable Player, with Polina Shemonova and Abby Casiano being named to the All-Tournament Team.

"We did what we were supposed to do," said head coach Leonid Yelin. "Marina really stood up this weekend. For not playing as an outside hitter since arriving at Syracuse, I was very pleased with her performance. Polina performed well offensively, but I know she has more she wants to give. Abby was a strong defensive presence, and we hope she can keep that up."

Markova led the Orange with 14 kills against Hartford and five other 'Cuse players recorded at least two kills. In the three tournament matches, she posted 48 kills and had 21 digs. Shemanova, who recorded nine kills and 12 digs against the Redbirds, had 34 kills and 33 digs in three matches. Casiano was responsible for 16 total blocks in three matches this weekend.

Against Hartford, the Orange won the first set, 25-15, opening the set with a 10-0 run. In the second set, Syracuse was all offense, earning three service aces and 12 kills to grab the 25-12 win. The Orange used strong defense to close out the match, notching 11 blocks in a 25-15 victory.

Of Note:

Junior Izzy Plummer showed up big for the Orange against Hartford, recording three kills and 11 total blocks.
The Orange maintained a hitting percentage above .300 across all three matches, hitting .366 against Quinnipiac, .315 against Yale, and .307 against Hartford.
The win against Hartford marks the best start in Coach Yelin's time at Syracuse, as the Orange improve to 6-0 on the season.

Up Next:
Syracuse will travel to Coralville, Iowa to play matches against Iowa (Sept. 9 at 7 pm), Iowa State (Sept. 10 at 5 pm) and Ball State (Sept. 11 at 12 pm) next weekend.

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