Wednesday, November 20
Syracuse, NY
6 p.m.
Syracuse University
vs
Boston College
Orange Welcome Boston College For Senior Night
11/19/2024 10:12:00 AM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University volleyball team (14-14, 2-14 ACC) will host Boston College (12-16, 5-11 ACC) on Wednesday at the Women's Building for its Senior Night.
The contest will air on ACCNX with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m. There will be a post-match ceremony shortly after the conclusion of the contest to celebrate the class.
The players being recognized are Sydney Moore, Ava Palm, Sara Wasiakowska, Elizabeth Schuster, Nikki Shimao and Klara Zarnovicka. Laila Smith, who medically retired from volleyball last season, will also be honored.
Senior Night
The class of seniors and graduate students has combined for 47% of the team's kills and 32% of the team's digs this season.
Palm currently leads the Orange in both kills (320) and digs (222), while Moore ranks No. 2 on the team with 74 blocks. Wasiakowska is one of five Syracuse players with triple-digit kills on the season (111). Shimao has 87 digs since conference play began and has started every match at libero during Syracuse's ACC schedule.
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.
Air Ava
Graduate transfer Ava Palm has been the focal point of Syracuse's offense this season. Palm leads the Orange and is No. 10 in the ACC with 320 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 19 of Syracuse's 25 contests.
Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 19 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 222 digs lead the Orange.
Palm has recorded six double-doubles this season, five of which have come against ACC opponents. She has posted double-digit kills and digs in all of those contests.
The outside hitter is also No. 2 on the Orange in aces (27).
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy had the best match of her Syracuse career against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, 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 against the Irish came in the final three sets of Syracuse's comeback, as did 13 of her kills.
Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 48 blocks are the most on the team and her 85 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (165) and Skylar George (99).
Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 10 aces trail only George in conference play.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 6 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.50). Against No. 15 Georgia Tech over the weekend, the Orange recorded 10.5 rejections.
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 86 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 74. Nikolnikova's 1.23 blocks per set are the seventh most in the ACC.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant has started the last four contests for the Orange with Mira Ledermueller starting the four matches prior.
Sierzant had a career day against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, tallying 56 assists, nine digs, four blocks and two kills, including the clinching kill on match point. The 56 assists against the Irish 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 (526) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.31 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 on Nov. 10 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 the Irish, 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 212 digs are the second most on the team, just 10 short of Palm's team-leading 222.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (206) and her 2.08 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.
Sweet Annie
In her 24 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova currently ranks No. 5 in the ACC and is tied for No. 32 in the nation in hitting percentage (.385).
The junior has hit at least .400 in 13 contests this season, including in three of the last four matches. Against No. 15 Georgia Tech, Nikolnikova hit .455 with six kills on 11 swings.
Nikolnikova recently hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in a Syracuse victory over Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
Against No. 4 Louisville on Nov. 8, Nikolnikova turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.23) and blocks (86). She recorded nine blocks last weekend against No. 15 Georgia Tech and Clemson, which included a team-best five against the Tigers.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 6 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 153 aces this season trail just No. 1 Pittsburgh (172), No. 10 SMU (172), North Carolina (166) and Miami (163) and Wake Forest (156) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.53 aces per set are also the ninth 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 (13) and Veronica Sierzant (12) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Since ACC play began, Syracuse ranks No. 10 in the conference in digs per set (13.91).
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 70+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (113), Nikki Shimao (87) and Ashlee Gnau (72).
Against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, 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.
Three Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (191), Gnau (101) and Emma Ortiz (101).
Notre Dame Win By The Numbers
The Orange had several season bests as a team in their win on Nov. 10 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 Boston College
Boston College sits at 12-16 on the season is 5-11 in ACC play. The Eagles dropped a five-set decision to Clemson before they were swept by No. 15 Georgia Tech last weekend.
Julia Haggerty currently leads the country in blocks (179) and blocks per set (1.79). The senior has five matches this season with double-digit rejections. As a team, Boston College trails only No. 4 Louisville in blocks per set with 2.96. The Eagles rank No. 4 nationally in the statistic.
Halle Schroder (333) and Audrey Ross (312) are pacing the Eagles in kills. Schroder has the seventh most kills in the ACC and has reached double figures in three of the last four matches. Four Boston College players have 100+ assists this season. Sophia Lambros leads the team (453) and was the primary setter in both of the team's matches over the weekend.
Brooklyn Yelland's 286 digs are the most on the Eagles. Schroder (245), Lambros (214) and Morgan Riddle (210) are also over 200.
Syracuse vs. Boston College | Syracuse leads, 29-13 | Last Meeting: L 1-3, Nov. 17, 2023
Syracuse vs. Boston College Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 20, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 6 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Boston College Links: Roster | Schedule
Up Next
Syracuse heads to Boston for a rematch against the Eagles on Nov. 24. This match will start at 1 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.
The contest will air on ACCNX with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m. There will be a post-match ceremony shortly after the conclusion of the contest to celebrate the class.
The players being recognized are Sydney Moore, Ava Palm, Sara Wasiakowska, Elizabeth Schuster, Nikki Shimao and Klara Zarnovicka. Laila Smith, who medically retired from volleyball last season, will also be honored.
Senior Night
The class of seniors and graduate students has combined for 47% of the team's kills and 32% of the team's digs this season.
Palm currently leads the Orange in both kills (320) and digs (222), while Moore ranks No. 2 on the team with 74 blocks. Wasiakowska is one of five Syracuse players with triple-digit kills on the season (111). Shimao has 87 digs since conference play began and has started every match at libero during Syracuse's ACC schedule.
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.
Air Ava
Graduate transfer Ava Palm has been the focal point of Syracuse's offense this season. Palm leads the Orange and is No. 10 in the ACC with 320 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 19 of Syracuse's 25 contests.
Palm has been the team's leader in kills on 19 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 222 digs lead the Orange.
Palm has recorded six double-doubles this season, five of which have come against ACC opponents. She has posted double-digit kills and digs in all of those contests.
The outside hitter is also No. 2 on the Orange in aces (27).
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy had the best match of her Syracuse career against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, 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 against the Irish came in the final three sets of Syracuse's comeback, as did 13 of her kills.
Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 48 blocks are the most on the team and her 85 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (165) and Skylar George (99).
Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 10 aces trail only George in conference play.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 6 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.50). Against No. 15 Georgia Tech over the weekend, the Orange recorded 10.5 rejections.
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 86 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 74. Nikolnikova's 1.23 blocks per set are the seventh most in the ACC.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant has started the last four contests for the Orange with Mira Ledermueller starting the four matches prior.
Sierzant had a career day against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, tallying 56 assists, nine digs, four blocks and two kills, including the clinching kill on match point. The 56 assists against the Irish 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 (526) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.31 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 on Nov. 10 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 the Irish, 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 212 digs are the second most on the team, just 10 short of Palm's team-leading 222.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (206) and her 2.08 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.
Sweet Annie
In her 24 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova currently ranks No. 5 in the ACC and is tied for No. 32 in the nation in hitting percentage (.385).
The junior has hit at least .400 in 13 contests this season, including in three of the last four matches. Against No. 15 Georgia Tech, Nikolnikova hit .455 with six kills on 11 swings.
Nikolnikova recently hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in a Syracuse victory over Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
Against No. 4 Louisville on Nov. 8, Nikolnikova turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.23) and blocks (86). She recorded nine blocks last weekend against No. 15 Georgia Tech and Clemson, which included a team-best five against the Tigers.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 6 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 153 aces this season trail just No. 1 Pittsburgh (172), No. 10 SMU (172), North Carolina (166) and Miami (163) and Wake Forest (156) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.53 aces per set are also the ninth 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 (13) and Veronica Sierzant (12) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Since ACC play began, Syracuse ranks No. 10 in the conference in digs per set (13.91).
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 70+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (113), Nikki Shimao (87) and Ashlee Gnau (72).
Against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, 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.
Three Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (191), Gnau (101) and Emma Ortiz (101).
Notre Dame Win By The Numbers
The Orange had several season bests as a team in their win on Nov. 10 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 Boston College
Boston College sits at 12-16 on the season is 5-11 in ACC play. The Eagles dropped a five-set decision to Clemson before they were swept by No. 15 Georgia Tech last weekend.
Julia Haggerty currently leads the country in blocks (179) and blocks per set (1.79). The senior has five matches this season with double-digit rejections. As a team, Boston College trails only No. 4 Louisville in blocks per set with 2.96. The Eagles rank No. 4 nationally in the statistic.
Halle Schroder (333) and Audrey Ross (312) are pacing the Eagles in kills. Schroder has the seventh most kills in the ACC and has reached double figures in three of the last four matches. Four Boston College players have 100+ assists this season. Sophia Lambros leads the team (453) and was the primary setter in both of the team's matches over the weekend.
Brooklyn Yelland's 286 digs are the most on the Eagles. Schroder (245), Lambros (214) and Morgan Riddle (210) are also over 200.
Syracuse vs. Boston College | Syracuse leads, 29-13 | Last Meeting: L 1-3, Nov. 17, 2023
Syracuse vs. Boston College Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 20, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 6 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Boston College Links: Roster | Schedule
Up Next
Syracuse heads to Boston for a rematch against the Eagles on Nov. 24. This match will start at 1 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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