Friday, November 15
Atlanta, Ga.
5 p.m.
Syracuse University
at
No. 15 Georgia Tech
Volleyball Treks South To Face Georgia Tech, Clemson
11/14/2024 12:41:00 PM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Coming off a reverse sweep win last weekend against Notre Dame, the Syracuse University volleyball team (14-12, 2-12 ACC) heads south this weekend for matches against No. 15 Georgia Tech (18-5, 10-4 ACC) and Clemson (8-17, 0-14 ACC).
The Orange will face the nationally ranked Yellow Jackets on Friday at 5 p.m. on ACCNX. Sunday's match against the Tigers will air on ACC Network at noon.
Reverse Sweep
Syracuse engineered a two-set comeback against Notre Dame on Nov. 10 for its second ACC victory of the season. After dropping the first two sets, the Orange rallied to win the next three 25-22, 25-22 and 15-12 for their first successful 0-2 comeback since Sept. 30, 2022.
The victory was Syracuse's third to come in a decisive set this season and improved the team's record to 3-2 in five-set matches on the campaign. Both of Syracuse's ACC victories this season have come in five sets, as the Orange also came from 1-2 down to defeat Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
Hot Start
The Orange completed non-conference play undefeated (12-0) for the first time since the 2010 season. Syracuse finished as one of the final seven unbeaten teams in the country after its 12-0 start to the campaign.
The Orange went 3-0 at the Salt City Classic, Big Apple Tournament, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational to secure its perfect non-conference resume.
Syracuse earned its first victory over a power-four opponent this season on Sept. 21, as the Orange topped Iowa State in a thrilling five setter.
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy had the best match of her Syracuse career against Notre Dame last weekend, as the sophomore tallied career highs in kills (17) and blocks (11).
The double-double was the first of Harris-Waddy's career and the first Syracuse double-double with kills and blocks since Abby Casiano had one against North Carolina on March 5, 2021. The 11 blocks were also the most in a match by a Syracuse player since Izzy Plummer had 11 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Seven of Harris-Waddy's 11 rejections came in the final three sets of Syracuse's comeback, as did 13 of her kills.
Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 45 blocks are the most on the team and her 81 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (145) and Skylar George (96).
Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 10 aces trail only George in conference play.
Air Ava
Graduate transfer Ava Palm has been the focal point of Syracuse's offense this season. Palm leads the Orange and is No. 8 in the ACC with 300 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 18 of Syracuse's 25 contests.
Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 15 occasions. She became the first Syracuse player to reach 20 kills in a match this season against Virginia on Oct. 23.
In addition to her dynamic hitting, Palm has also stuffed the stat sheet defensively, as her 205 digs lead the Orange. Palm has recorded six double-doubles this season, including in three of the last six matches. She has posted double-digit kills and digs in all three of those contests, with all six of her double-doubles coming by way of kills and digs.
The outside hitter is also No. 2 on the Orange in aces (27).Â
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 7 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.46).
Syracuse put down a season-best 19 blocks against Notre Dame last weekend, the most by any ACC team in a match this season and the most by Syracuse since a 21-block effort against Boston College on Nov. 11, 2019.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 77 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 74. Nikolnikova's 1.20 blocks per set are the seventh most in the ACC. Zharia Harris-Waddy's 45 blocks since ACC play began lead the Orange.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant started both matches for 'Cuse last weekend with Mira Ledermueller starting the four prior.
Sierzant had a career day against Notre Dame on Sunday, tallying 56 assists, nine digs, four blocks and two kills, including the clinching kill on match point. The 56 assists were the most in a single match by a Syracuse player since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2021. It was Sierzant's first ever match with 50+ assists, as her previous career best (48) came earlier this season against California.
Sierzant has four double-doubles on the season, all of which have come in ACC play. She has reached 20 digs twice this season, most recently against Wake Forest on Nov. 3.
Ledermueller eclipsed 40 assists for the second time this season against Virginia Tech in Syracuse's victory over the Hokies on Oct. 27, as her 41 were her two short of her season-high count.
Sierzant (476) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.21 assists per set rank No. 10 in the ACC.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season.
George turned in her best performance in ACC play in Syracuse's win against Notre Dame with 15 kills and 14 digs. The 15 kills were her most in a conference match and her most in any contest since she had 19 against Siena on Sept. 12.
George has registered five double-doubles on the campaign, with the most recent coming against Notre Dame, her second in ACC play. All of her double-doubles have come by way of kills and digs.
George has reached double-digit digs eight times this season, which included a career-best 17 dig outing on Nov. 3 at Wake Forest. Her 204 digs are the second most on the team, just one short of Palm's team-leading 205.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (203) and her 2.18 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 28 aces lead the Orange. She hit a team-best three aces against No. 4 Louisville last weekend.
Sweet Annie
In her 22 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova currently ranks No. 4 in the ACC and No. 35 in the nation in hitting percentage (.385).
The junior has hit at least .400 in 12 contests this season. She recently hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in a Syracuse victory over Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. Against No. 4 Louisville last weekend, Nikolnikova turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.20) and blocks (77).
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 5 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 151 aces this season trail just No. 1 Pittsburgh (161), No. 10 SMU (159), North Carolina (157) and Miami (153) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.61 aces per set are also the eighth most in the conference.
Skylar George is leading the team with 28 aces. Ava Palm is just one behind with 27. Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 16 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (12) and Veronica Sierzant (11) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Since ACC play began, Syracuse ranks No. 9 in the conference in digs per set (13.94).
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 60+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (95), Nikki Shimao (79) and Ashlee Gnau (62).
Against Notre Dame on Sunday, Gnau turned in a career-best 14 digs, which was tied with Skylar George for the most on the team. Schlichter also had 10 digs against the Fighting Irish.
Two Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (173) and freshman Emma Ortiz (101).
Notre Dame Win By The Numbers
The Orange had several season bests as a team in their win Sunday against Notre Dame.
Syracuse's 61 kills were a new season high, as were the team's 19 blocks.
Veronica Sierzant's 56 assists helped Syracuse tally 60 against the Fighting Irish, the team's most in a match since posting 60 against North Carolina on Oct. 16, 2022.
As a team, Syracuse hit at a .248 clip against Notre Dame, its best hitting percentage in an ACC contest since swinging .306 against Boston College on Nov. 13, 2022.
The win was also the 200th of head coach Bakeer Ganesharatman's career.
Scouting No. 15 Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech enters the weekend in a three-way tie for fifth in the ACC standings. At 11-4 in conference play, the Yellow Jackets are tied with No. 22 Florida State and North Carolina. The Yellow Jackets are 18-5 overall and currently sit at No. 15 in the AVCA top 25 poll. They also checked in at No. 24 in this week's RPI ranking.
Last weekend, Georgia Tech swept California before falling to No. 6 Stanford in straight sets.
Tamara Otene leads the Yellow Jackets with 297 kills, with Bianca Bertolino close behind at 290. Otene was dominant against California last weekend, registering 19 kills on just 35 swings in the team's three-set victory.
Luanna Emiliano handles the setting duties for Georgia Tech, as her 9.14 assists per set rank No. 4 in the ACC. Bertolino leads the Yellow Jackets and ranks No. 3 in the ACC with 47 aces. Emiliano and Otene also have 20+ aces on the season.
Defensively, Georgia Tech is led by Sofia Velez, who is No. 9 in the ACC with 317 digs this season. Otene (250), Bertolino (239) and Emiliano (213) have also reached triple-digit digs. Liv Mogridge is leading Georgia Tech with 68 blocks this season. She is followed by DeAndra Pierce's 49 rejections.
As a team, Georgia Tech ranks No. 3 in digs per set (14.99), No. 4 in the ACC in assists per set (12.50) and No. 5 in kills per set (13.27).
Syracuse vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech | Georgia Tech leads, 9-6 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Nov. 19, 2023
Scouting Clemson
Clemson heads into the weekend with an 8-17 overall record that includes an 0-14 mark in conference matches. The Tigers were defeated in straight sets last weekend by No. 6 Stanford and California.
The Tigers have two players this season with a team-best 220 kills - Azyah Dailey and Mia McGrath. As a team, Clemson is No. 12 in the conference with 11.99 kills per set. Setter Katherine Sandt currently is averaging the ninth most assists in the ACC with 7.46 per set. Audrey Armbruster is second on the team with 5.80 assists per frame.
Devan Taylor has been one of the best liberos in the ACC this season and currently ranks No. 2 in the conference in both digs and digs per set. Taylor's strong season has Clemson leading the conference in digs per set as a team, as their 16.15 per frame are nearly one dig more than second-place NC State. Kate Hansen, Indigo Young and Neea-Maria Joki all have 60+ blocks this season for the Tigers.
Syracuse vs. Clemson | Syracuse leads, 13-4 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Oct. 27, 2023
Syracuse vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech
Match Details: Nov. 15, 2024 | Atlanta, Ga. | O'Keefe Gymnasium | 5 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Georgia Tech Links: Roster | Schedule
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Syracuse vs. Clemson Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 17, 2024 | Clemson, S.C. | Jervey Gym | Noon
Live Video: ACC Network
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Clemson Links: Roster | Schedule
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Up Next
Syracuse will host Boston College on Nov. 20 for Senior Day at the Women's Building. The match will begin at 6 p.m. on ACCNX.
For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
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The Orange will face the nationally ranked Yellow Jackets on Friday at 5 p.m. on ACCNX. Sunday's match against the Tigers will air on ACC Network at noon.
Reverse Sweep
Syracuse engineered a two-set comeback against Notre Dame on Nov. 10 for its second ACC victory of the season. After dropping the first two sets, the Orange rallied to win the next three 25-22, 25-22 and 15-12 for their first successful 0-2 comeback since Sept. 30, 2022.
The victory was Syracuse's third to come in a decisive set this season and improved the team's record to 3-2 in five-set matches on the campaign. Both of Syracuse's ACC victories this season have come in five sets, as the Orange also came from 1-2 down to defeat Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
Hot Start
The Orange completed non-conference play undefeated (12-0) for the first time since the 2010 season. Syracuse finished as one of the final seven unbeaten teams in the country after its 12-0 start to the campaign.
The Orange went 3-0 at the Salt City Classic, Big Apple Tournament, Siena Saints Invitational and Syracuse Invitational to secure its perfect non-conference resume.
Syracuse earned its first victory over a power-four opponent this season on Sept. 21, as the Orange topped Iowa State in a thrilling five setter.
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy had the best match of her Syracuse career against Notre Dame last weekend, as the sophomore tallied career highs in kills (17) and blocks (11).
The double-double was the first of Harris-Waddy's career and the first Syracuse double-double with kills and blocks since Abby Casiano had one against North Carolina on March 5, 2021. The 11 blocks were also the most in a match by a Syracuse player since Izzy Plummer had 11 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Seven of Harris-Waddy's 11 rejections came in the final three sets of Syracuse's comeback, as did 13 of her kills.
Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 45 blocks are the most on the team and her 81 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (145) and Skylar George (96).
Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 10 aces trail only George in conference play.
Air Ava
Graduate transfer Ava Palm has been the focal point of Syracuse's offense this season. Palm leads the Orange and is No. 8 in the ACC with 300 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 18 of Syracuse's 25 contests.
Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 15 occasions. She became the first Syracuse player to reach 20 kills in a match this season against Virginia on Oct. 23.
In addition to her dynamic hitting, Palm has also stuffed the stat sheet defensively, as her 205 digs lead the Orange. Palm has recorded six double-doubles this season, including in three of the last six matches. She has posted double-digit kills and digs in all three of those contests, with all six of her double-doubles coming by way of kills and digs.
The outside hitter is also No. 2 on the Orange in aces (27).Â
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 7 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.46).
Syracuse put down a season-best 19 blocks against Notre Dame last weekend, the most by any ACC team in a match this season and the most by Syracuse since a 21-block effort against Boston College on Nov. 11, 2019.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 77 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 74. Nikolnikova's 1.20 blocks per set are the seventh most in the ACC. Zharia Harris-Waddy's 45 blocks since ACC play began lead the Orange.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant started both matches for 'Cuse last weekend with Mira Ledermueller starting the four prior.
Sierzant had a career day against Notre Dame on Sunday, tallying 56 assists, nine digs, four blocks and two kills, including the clinching kill on match point. The 56 assists were the most in a single match by a Syracuse player since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2021. It was Sierzant's first ever match with 50+ assists, as her previous career best (48) came earlier this season against California.
Sierzant has four double-doubles on the season, all of which have come in ACC play. She has reached 20 digs twice this season, most recently against Wake Forest on Nov. 3.
Ledermueller eclipsed 40 assists for the second time this season against Virginia Tech in Syracuse's victory over the Hokies on Oct. 27, as her 41 were her two short of her season-high count.
Sierzant (476) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.21 assists per set rank No. 10 in the ACC.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season.
George turned in her best performance in ACC play in Syracuse's win against Notre Dame with 15 kills and 14 digs. The 15 kills were her most in a conference match and her most in any contest since she had 19 against Siena on Sept. 12.
George has registered five double-doubles on the campaign, with the most recent coming against Notre Dame, her second in ACC play. All of her double-doubles have come by way of kills and digs.
George has reached double-digit digs eight times this season, which included a career-best 17 dig outing on Nov. 3 at Wake Forest. Her 204 digs are the second most on the team, just one short of Palm's team-leading 205.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (203) and her 2.18 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 28 aces lead the Orange. She hit a team-best three aces against No. 4 Louisville last weekend.
Sweet Annie
In her 22 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova currently ranks No. 4 in the ACC and No. 35 in the nation in hitting percentage (.385).
The junior has hit at least .400 in 12 contests this season. She recently hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in a Syracuse victory over Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. Against No. 4 Louisville last weekend, Nikolnikova turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.20) and blocks (77).
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 5 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 151 aces this season trail just No. 1 Pittsburgh (161), No. 10 SMU (159), North Carolina (157) and Miami (153) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.61 aces per set are also the eighth most in the conference.
Skylar George is leading the team with 28 aces. Ava Palm is just one behind with 27. Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 16 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (12) and Veronica Sierzant (11) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Since ACC play began, Syracuse ranks No. 9 in the conference in digs per set (13.94).
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 60+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (95), Nikki Shimao (79) and Ashlee Gnau (62).
Against Notre Dame on Sunday, Gnau turned in a career-best 14 digs, which was tied with Skylar George for the most on the team. Schlichter also had 10 digs against the Fighting Irish.
Two Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (173) and freshman Emma Ortiz (101).
Notre Dame Win By The Numbers
The Orange had several season bests as a team in their win Sunday against Notre Dame.
Syracuse's 61 kills were a new season high, as were the team's 19 blocks.
Veronica Sierzant's 56 assists helped Syracuse tally 60 against the Fighting Irish, the team's most in a match since posting 60 against North Carolina on Oct. 16, 2022.
As a team, Syracuse hit at a .248 clip against Notre Dame, its best hitting percentage in an ACC contest since swinging .306 against Boston College on Nov. 13, 2022.
The win was also the 200th of head coach Bakeer Ganesharatman's career.
Scouting No. 15 Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech enters the weekend in a three-way tie for fifth in the ACC standings. At 11-4 in conference play, the Yellow Jackets are tied with No. 22 Florida State and North Carolina. The Yellow Jackets are 18-5 overall and currently sit at No. 15 in the AVCA top 25 poll. They also checked in at No. 24 in this week's RPI ranking.
Last weekend, Georgia Tech swept California before falling to No. 6 Stanford in straight sets.
Tamara Otene leads the Yellow Jackets with 297 kills, with Bianca Bertolino close behind at 290. Otene was dominant against California last weekend, registering 19 kills on just 35 swings in the team's three-set victory.
Luanna Emiliano handles the setting duties for Georgia Tech, as her 9.14 assists per set rank No. 4 in the ACC. Bertolino leads the Yellow Jackets and ranks No. 3 in the ACC with 47 aces. Emiliano and Otene also have 20+ aces on the season.
Defensively, Georgia Tech is led by Sofia Velez, who is No. 9 in the ACC with 317 digs this season. Otene (250), Bertolino (239) and Emiliano (213) have also reached triple-digit digs. Liv Mogridge is leading Georgia Tech with 68 blocks this season. She is followed by DeAndra Pierce's 49 rejections.
As a team, Georgia Tech ranks No. 3 in digs per set (14.99), No. 4 in the ACC in assists per set (12.50) and No. 5 in kills per set (13.27).
Syracuse vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech | Georgia Tech leads, 9-6 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Nov. 19, 2023
Scouting Clemson
Clemson heads into the weekend with an 8-17 overall record that includes an 0-14 mark in conference matches. The Tigers were defeated in straight sets last weekend by No. 6 Stanford and California.
The Tigers have two players this season with a team-best 220 kills - Azyah Dailey and Mia McGrath. As a team, Clemson is No. 12 in the conference with 11.99 kills per set. Setter Katherine Sandt currently is averaging the ninth most assists in the ACC with 7.46 per set. Audrey Armbruster is second on the team with 5.80 assists per frame.
Devan Taylor has been one of the best liberos in the ACC this season and currently ranks No. 2 in the conference in both digs and digs per set. Taylor's strong season has Clemson leading the conference in digs per set as a team, as their 16.15 per frame are nearly one dig more than second-place NC State. Kate Hansen, Indigo Young and Neea-Maria Joki all have 60+ blocks this season for the Tigers.
Syracuse vs. Clemson | Syracuse leads, 13-4 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Oct. 27, 2023
Syracuse vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech
Match Details: Nov. 15, 2024 | Atlanta, Ga. | O'Keefe Gymnasium | 5 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Georgia Tech Links: Roster | Schedule
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Syracuse vs. Clemson Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 17, 2024 | Clemson, S.C. | Jervey Gym | Noon
Live Video: ACC Network
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Clemson Links: Roster | Schedule
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Up Next
Syracuse will host Boston College on Nov. 20 for Senior Day at the Women's Building. The match will begin at 6 p.m. on ACCNX.
For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
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Players Mentioned
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