Syracuse Drops Final Home Match To California

Wednesday, November 27

Syracuse, NY

1 p.m.

Syracuse University

14-17,2-17ACC

Cal

14-17,6-13ACC

California

Syracuse

11/27/2024 2:42:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Skylar George posted 10 digs and eight kills, but the Syracuse University volleyball team (14-17, 2-17 ACC) dropped its final home match of the regular season to the California Golden Bears (14-17, 6-13 ACC), 3-0, on Wednesday at the Women's Building.

How it Happened
Syracuse opened the match with a strong start, taking an early 4-1 lead highlighted by a George service ace. However, California responded with six consecutive points to grab the lead. Veronica Sierzant and Sydney Moore stopped the Golden Bears' run with a combined block, but Cal quickly added three more points to extend its advantage to 9-5. The Orange fought back with two kills from George to keep themselves in the set, but Cal held a 15-9 lead at the first media timeout. Following the pause, Syracuse strung together three straight points, including a service ace from Greta Schlichter, forcing a Cal timeout as the Orange cut the deficit to 17-15. Out of the timeout, SU won three of the next four points with two kills from Ava Palm and one from George, tying the set at 18. The Orange then surged ahead, 21-18, but after calling a timeout, Cal used a four-point run to reclaim the lead at 22-21. George's fifth and sixth kills of the set kept the Orange alive, tying the score at 25-25, but Cal closed the set with two straight points to secure a narrow 27-25 victory in the first frame.

Syracuse started the second set strong with a block from Palm and Zharia Harris-Waddy, followed by a George kill. However, California quickly took control, building an 11-4 lead and forcing an Orange timeout. Syracuse managed to capitalize on a Cal attack error after the break, but the Golden Bears maintained their momentum, extending their lead to 17-6 with a four-point run. Despite a late push by Syracuse, scoring five points in a six-play stretch, Cal closed out the set with a decisive 25-15 win, taking a 2-0 lead in the match.

With their backs against the wall entering the third set, the Orange opened with kills from Moore and Sara Wasiakowska. Both teams traded points early, but Cal gained momentum with an eight-point run over nine plays to take a 12-5 lead. Wasiakowska later notched her third kill of the match, but the Golden Bears held a 15-7 advantage at the media timeout. After the break, Cal claimed four of the next five points, prompting an SU timeout. The Golden Bears closed out the set with six unanswered points, securing a 25-8 win and completing the sweep over SU.

Notes & Highlights

Skylar George led the way for Syracuse in the match, collecting 10 digs and eight kills. She also finished the afternoon with a match-high 32 attacks.
Ava Palm and Sara Wasiakowska were next for 'Cuse in kills with four each. Palm also added four digs and one block assist.
Veronica Sierzant led the way for SU in assists with her 18. She also matched Sydney Moore with three blocks in the match.
Greta Schlichter posted eight digs in the loss.
Syracuse moves to 0-2 in the all-time series, with Cal with both matches being played this season.
The Orange move to 14-17 on the season with an 2-17 mark in conference play. The Orange also finish their home regular season slate with a record of 7-8.

Up Next
The Orange close out their 2024 regular season slate on Friday, Nov. 29 when they travel to Blacksburg, Va. to face Virginia Tech. The contest is slated for 1:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra.

'Cuse hosted the Hokies earlier this campaign on Sunday, Oct. 27, earning its first ACC win of the season in five sets.

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