Sunday, November 24
Chestnut Hill, MA
1 p.m.
Syracuse University
at
Boston College
Syracuse Ready For Boston College Rematch Sunday
11/22/2024 10:43:00 AM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Following a fierce five-set battle between the teams on Wednesday night at the Women's Building, the Syracuse University volleyball team (14-15, 2-15 ACC) and Boston College (13-16. 6-11 ACC) square off again Sunday afternoon in Chestnut Hill.
The match at Connell Recreation Center will start at 1 p.m. and will air on ACCNX. The Eagles saved a match point Wednesday in a 3-2 victory over the Orange in Syracuse.
Game, Set, Rematch
Syracuse and Boston College contested a five-set thriller Wednesday night at the Women's Building, with the Eagles holding on for a narrow victory.
The Orange came from four points down late in the fourth to force a deciding set. Trailing 14-11 in that final frame, kills by Zharia Harris-Waddy and Skylar George saved a pair of match points before a solo Sydney Moore rejection saved another. George and Moore then combined for a block on the next point to set up a match point for Syracuse. The Eagles saved it with a kill, and finally converted on their sixth match point later in the set to win, 19-17.
Skylar George was Syracuse's best hitter on the night, finishing with 18 kills on 49 swings. Audrey Ross (21 kills) and Halle Schroder (15 kills) paced Boston College's offense, which tallied 66 kills on the night. Moore and Boston College's Julia Haggerty both put down 11 blocks, with Ava Palm recording 15 digs to lead 'Cuse.
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 tied for No. 9 in the ACC entering this weekend with 330 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 20 of Syracuse's 29 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 237 digs lead the Orange.
Palm recorded her seventh double-double this season Wednesday against the Eagles with 10 kills and 15 digs. It was her sixth double-double to come in ACC play. The graduate student has recorded a double-double all seven times she has reached double-digit digs this season.
The outside hitter is also tied for the team lead in aces (29) with fellow outside hitter Skylar George. Palm had two aces against the Eagles on Wednesday.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange rank No. 6 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.54) entering the weekend. Syracuse registered 17 blocks Wednesday night against the Eagles, which marked the seventh time in ACC play the Orange have reached double figures. 'Cuse has done so in three of its last four outings.
Syracuse put down a season-best 19 blocks against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, 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 90 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 85. Nikolnikova's 1.20 blocks per set are the eighth most in the ACC entering the weekend.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season. The redshirt freshman turned in arguably her best hitting performance of the season Wednesday night against Boston College with 18 kills in just four sets of action. The 18 kills on a career-high 49 swings 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 216 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (224) and her 2.17 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 29 aces are tied with Palm for the most on the team.
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. Sydney Moore matched Harris-Waddy's 11 blocks Wednesday against Boston College.
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 50 blocks are the most on the team and her 94 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (175) and Skylar George (117). Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 11 aces trail only George in conference play.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant has started the last five contests for the Orange with Mira Ledermueller starting the four matches prior.
Against the Eagles on Wednesday, Sierzant tallied 46 assists, her third performance with 45+ helpers in conference play this season.
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 (572) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.43 assists per set rank No. 9 in the ACC entering this weekend.
Sweet Annie
In her 25 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Entering this weekend, Nikolnikova ranks No. 7 in the ACC (.345) in hitting percentage. The junior has hit at least .400 in 13 contests this season, including in three of the last five matches. Against No. 15 Georgia Tech on Nov. 15, 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, The junior turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.20) and blocks (90). 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. 5 in the ACC in aces. Syracuse's 160 aces this season trail just No. 1 Pittsburgh (172), No. 10 SMU (172), North Carolina (166) and Miami (163) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.53 aces per set are also the ninth most in the conference entering the weekend.
Skylar George and Ava Palm are leading the team with 29 aces this season. Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 17 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (14) and Veronica Sierzant (12) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Since ACC play began, Syracuse ranks No. 4 in the conference in total digs (872).
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 70+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (124), Nikki Shimao (100) and Ashlee Gnau (77).
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. Shimao turned in a season-high 13 against the Eagles on Wednesday.
Four Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (191), Emma Ortiz (109), Gnau (106) and Shimao (100).
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 13-16 on the season is 6-11 in ACC play after Wednesday night's win over the Orange.
Julia Haggerty leads the country in blocks (202) and blocks per set (1.94) entering this weekend. The senior had her sixth match with double-digit blocks this season against Syracuse on Wednesday.
Halle Schroder (348) and Audrey Ross (333) are pacing the Eagles in kills. Ross paced the team with 21 kills against the Orange on Wednesday, with Schroder adding 15 of her own.
Four Boston College players have 100+ assists this season. Sophia Lambros leads the team (473) but Aubrey Moore led the Eagles in helpers Wednesday against 'Cuse with 31.
Brooklyn Yelland surpassed 300 digs for the season Wednesday night with a 21-dig effort against the Orange. Schroder (263), Lambros (221) and Morgan Riddle (217) have also surpassed 200 for the season.
Entering the weekend, the Eagles rank No. 3 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.96), which also ranks No. 4 nationally.
Syracuse vs. Boston College | Syracuse leads, 29-14 | Last Meeting: L 2-3, Nov. 20, 2024
Syracuse vs. Boston College Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 24, 2024 | Chestnut Hill, Mass. | Connell Recreation Center | 1 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Boston College Links: News | Roster | Schedule
Up Next
Syracuse will play its final home match this season at the Women's Building on Nov. 27. The contest against California will begin at 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on ACCNX.
For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
The match at Connell Recreation Center will start at 1 p.m. and will air on ACCNX. The Eagles saved a match point Wednesday in a 3-2 victory over the Orange in Syracuse.
Game, Set, Rematch
Syracuse and Boston College contested a five-set thriller Wednesday night at the Women's Building, with the Eagles holding on for a narrow victory.
The Orange came from four points down late in the fourth to force a deciding set. Trailing 14-11 in that final frame, kills by Zharia Harris-Waddy and Skylar George saved a pair of match points before a solo Sydney Moore rejection saved another. George and Moore then combined for a block on the next point to set up a match point for Syracuse. The Eagles saved it with a kill, and finally converted on their sixth match point later in the set to win, 19-17.
Skylar George was Syracuse's best hitter on the night, finishing with 18 kills on 49 swings. Audrey Ross (21 kills) and Halle Schroder (15 kills) paced Boston College's offense, which tallied 66 kills on the night. Moore and Boston College's Julia Haggerty both put down 11 blocks, with Ava Palm recording 15 digs to lead 'Cuse.
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 tied for No. 9 in the ACC entering this weekend with 330 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 20 of Syracuse's 29 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 237 digs lead the Orange.
Palm recorded her seventh double-double this season Wednesday against the Eagles with 10 kills and 15 digs. It was her sixth double-double to come in ACC play. The graduate student has recorded a double-double all seven times she has reached double-digit digs this season.
The outside hitter is also tied for the team lead in aces (29) with fellow outside hitter Skylar George. Palm had two aces against the Eagles on Wednesday.
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange rank No. 6 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.54) entering the weekend. Syracuse registered 17 blocks Wednesday night against the Eagles, which marked the seventh time in ACC play the Orange have reached double figures. 'Cuse has done so in three of its last four outings.
Syracuse put down a season-best 19 blocks against Notre Dame on Nov. 10, 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 90 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 85. Nikolnikova's 1.20 blocks per set are the eighth most in the ACC entering the weekend.
Sky Money
Skylar George has created a dynamic duo with fellow outside Ava Palm so far this season. The redshirt freshman turned in arguably her best hitting performance of the season Wednesday night against Boston College with 18 kills in just four sets of action. The 18 kills on a career-high 49 swings 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 216 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (224) and her 2.17 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 29 aces are tied with Palm for the most on the team.
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. Sydney Moore matched Harris-Waddy's 11 blocks Wednesday against Boston College.
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 50 blocks are the most on the team and her 94 kills are the third most behind Ava Palm (175) and Skylar George (117). Her serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her 11 aces trail only George in conference play.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other this season. Veronica Sierzant has started the last five contests for the Orange with Mira Ledermueller starting the four matches prior.
Against the Eagles on Wednesday, Sierzant tallied 46 assists, her third performance with 45+ helpers in conference play this season.
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 (572) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Sierzant's 7.43 assists per set rank No. 9 in the ACC entering this weekend.
Sweet Annie
In her 25 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Entering this weekend, Nikolnikova ranks No. 7 in the ACC (.345) in hitting percentage. The junior has hit at least .400 in 13 contests this season, including in three of the last five matches. Against No. 15 Georgia Tech on Nov. 15, 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, The junior turned in an efficient five kills on 14 swings.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.20) and blocks (90). 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. 5 in the ACC in aces. Syracuse's 160 aces this season trail just No. 1 Pittsburgh (172), No. 10 SMU (172), North Carolina (166) and Miami (163) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.53 aces per set are also the ninth most in the conference entering the weekend.
Skylar George and Ava Palm are leading the team with 29 aces this season. Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 17 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (14) and Veronica Sierzant (12) are all in double figures.
Back Row Love
Since ACC play began, Syracuse ranks No. 4 in the conference in total digs (872).
Syracuse's back row has spread the wealth this season. The Orange have three defensive specialists with 70+ digs in conference play - Greta Schlichter (124), Nikki Shimao (100) and Ashlee Gnau (77).
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. Shimao turned in a season-high 13 against the Eagles on Wednesday.
Four Syracuse defensive specialists have surpassed 100 digs on the season - Schlichter (191), Emma Ortiz (109), Gnau (106) and Shimao (100).
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 13-16 on the season is 6-11 in ACC play after Wednesday night's win over the Orange.
Julia Haggerty leads the country in blocks (202) and blocks per set (1.94) entering this weekend. The senior had her sixth match with double-digit blocks this season against Syracuse on Wednesday.
Halle Schroder (348) and Audrey Ross (333) are pacing the Eagles in kills. Ross paced the team with 21 kills against the Orange on Wednesday, with Schroder adding 15 of her own.
Four Boston College players have 100+ assists this season. Sophia Lambros leads the team (473) but Aubrey Moore led the Eagles in helpers Wednesday against 'Cuse with 31.
Brooklyn Yelland surpassed 300 digs for the season Wednesday night with a 21-dig effort against the Orange. Schroder (263), Lambros (221) and Morgan Riddle (217) have also surpassed 200 for the season.
Entering the weekend, the Eagles rank No. 3 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.96), which also ranks No. 4 nationally.
Syracuse vs. Boston College | Syracuse leads, 29-14 | Last Meeting: L 2-3, Nov. 20, 2024
Syracuse vs. Boston College Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 24, 2024 | Chestnut Hill, Mass. | Connell Recreation Center | 1 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Boston College Links: News | Roster | Schedule
Up Next
Syracuse will play its final home match this season at the Women's Building on Nov. 27. The contest against California will begin at 1 p.m. and will be streamed live 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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