Friday, November 8
Syracuse, NY
6 p.m.
Syracuse University
vs
No. 4 Louisville
Volleyball Back Home For Matches Against No. 4 Louisville, Notre Dame
11/7/2024 10:19:00 AM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University volleyball team (13-11, 1-11 ACC) returns home this weekend for a pair of ACC matches against No. 4 Louisville (19-3, 11-1 ACC) and Notre Dame (9-12, 2-10 ACC).
The Orange will take on the nationally ranked Cardinals on Friday at 6 p.m. and the Fighting Irish at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Both contests at the Women's Building will be streamed live on ACCNX.
Mission ACComplished
Syracuse snapped its 31-match ACC losing streak on Oct. 27 with a five-set victory against Virginia Tech at the Women's Building. The Orange won the last two sets to earn their first conference win since Nov. 6, 2022. The Orange offense was especially efficient in the fifth set, as 13 of the team's 15 points came via kills. 'Cuse hit at a .522 clip in the final frame.
The win was the first five-set ACC triumph for the Orange since Oct. 16, 2022. It was also the team's first successful 2-1 comeback since Nov. 24, 2019.
Syracuse has taken three ACC opponents to five sets this season and has won at least one set in five conference outings.
Hot Start
The Orange completed non-conference play undefeated (12-0) for the first time since the 2010 season. 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 finished as one of the final seven unbeaten teams in the country after its 12-0 start to the campaign.
'Cuse 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. 8 in the ACC with 278 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 17 of Syracuse's 24 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 187 digs lead the Orange.
Palm has recorded six double-doubles this season, including in three of the last four 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 tied for the lead on the Orange in aces (25).
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 8 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.44). Syracuse had 10 blocks against Wake Forest last weekend, marking the second time in three matches the Orange have reached double figures.
Syracuse put down a season-best 17 blocks against California on Oct. 12, the team's most in a match since registering 18 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 76 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 69. Nikolnikova's 1.27 blocks per set are the fifth most in the ACC.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other throughout the season. Mira Ledermueller has started the last four matches after Veronica Sierzant started the six prior.
Ledermueller eclipsed 40 assists for the second time this season against Virginia Tech in Syracuse's most recent victory, as her 41 were her two short of her season-high tally.
Sierzant recently set new career highs in assists (48) and digs (20) against California on Oct. 12, both of which were also highs for the team this season. It was her first time surpassing 40 assists in a match and the most assists by a Syracuse player in a match since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2024.
Sierzant matched her 20-dig total last weekend against Wake Forest while also delivering 27 assists for her fourth double-double of the campaign.
Sierzant (395) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Ledermueller's 7.08 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 was big down the stretch in Syracuse's first ACC win against Virginia Tech on Oct. 27, as the redshirt freshman tallied a team-best six kills in the final set, including on the final two points.
George has registered four double-doubles on the campaign, with the most recent coming against Virginia Tech on Oct. 27, her first in ACC play. She had 14 kills and 13 digs against the Hokies. All four of her double-doubles have been achieved with kills and digs.
George has reached double-digit digs seven times this season, which included a career-best 17 dig outing last weekend at Wake Forest. Her 181 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (180) and her 2.12 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 25 aces are tied with Palm for the most on the team. She hit three aces in Syracuse's matches last weekend at NC State and Wake Forest.
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy has started eight of the last 10 matches for Syracuse and has played an important role for the Orange in those contests.
The sophomore recently had her best match with Syracuse, as she delivered a career-best 13 kills on 25 swings against Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. She also added three blocks and two aces in the victory against the Hokies.
Harris-Waddy has registered five or more kills in six of the last seven matches. Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 58 kills are the third most on the team behind Ava Palm (123) and Skylar George (73). Harris-Waddy's serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her nine aces are the most on the team during conference play.
Defensively, Harris-Waddy was a force in the front row last weekend, as she led the team with five blocks against NC State and six at Wake Forest.
Sweet Annie
In her 20 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova is currently ranked No. 3 in the ACC and No. 32 in the country in hitting percentage (.385). The junior has hit at least .400 in 10 contests this season. She hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in Syracuse's most recent victory against Virginia Tech.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.27) and blocks (76). She ranks No. 5 in the ACC and No. 46 in the NCAA in blocks per set.
Can You Dig It?
The Orange totaled 90 digs as a team last weekend against Wake Forest. It was one dig short of their season high of 91, which came in a five-set match against California on Oct. 12.
The 90 digs were the most for Syracuse in a four-set contest since joining the ACC in 2014. This is also the first time since joining the ACC that 'Cuse has accrued 90 digs in multiple matches in the same season.
Six different Syracuse players reached double-digit digs in the match against Wake Forest - Veronica Sierzant (20), Skylar George (17), Ava Palm (13), Ashlee Gnau (13), Nikki Shimao (10) and Greta Schlichter (10). It was just the second time an ACC team has had six or more players hit double figures in digs in a single match this season. Duke also had six achieve the feat at Wake Forest on Oct. 11.
Since ACC play began. Syracuse is averaging the eighth most digs per set (14.20) in the conference as a team.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 4 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 142 aces this season trail just No. 25 North Carolina (152) and No. 1 Pittsburgh (149) and No. 10 SMU (147) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.65 aces per set are also the seventh most in the conference.
Ava Palm and Skylar George both have 25 aces this season to pace the team.
Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 15 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (11) and Veronica Sierzant (10) are all in double figures.
Scouting No. 4 Louisville
Louisville enters the weekend tied with No. 1 Pittsburgh atop the ACC with an 11-1 conference record. The lone ACC defeat came at Pittsburgh in a fifth set. The Cardinals are 19-3 overall with impressive wins against No. 3 Wisconsin, No. 9 Creighton, No. 11 Kentucky, No. 3 Stanford and No. 12 SMU.
The Cardinals checked in at No. 4 in this week's AVCA top 25 poll and are currently the No. 1 ranked team in the RPI. Last weekend, Louisville swept Notre Dame in both legs of a home-and-home.
Anna DeBeer leads the Cardinals with 246 kills on the season. She earned ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors on Oct. 14 after going for 23 kills against Florida State and 18 against Miami that weekend. Charitie Luper, who is second on the Cardinals with 223 kills, was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week the week before DeBeer. She has been an efficient outside hitter, as she swings at a .253 clip.
Freshman Nayelis Cabello and Elle Glock have split the setting duties for the Cardinals this season. Cabello leads the team with 412 assists and has won ACC Freshman of the Week honors on four occasions, including Monday. Glock is just three assists behind at 409.
One of the most decorated active liberos in college volleyball, Elena Scott has also racked up three ACC Defensive Player of the Week awards on the campaign. She leads the ACC with 4.68 digs per set and has posted 20+ assists in seven matches this season.
Cara Cresse leads the Cardinals and ranks No. 32 in the country with 112 blocks this season. She earned ACC Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 14 after totaling 16 blocks in wins over Florida State and Miami.
As a team, Louisville leads the ACC in blocks per set (3.06) and is No. 2 in opponent hitting percentage (.138).
Syracuse vs. No. 4 Louisville | Louisville leads 19-3 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Sept. 22, 2023
Scouting Notre Dame
Notre Dame holds a 9-12 overall record and is 2-10 in ACC play. The Fighting Irish were swept twice last week by Louisville. In their last match before the pair against the Cardinals, Notre Dame took a set off No. 1 Pittsburgh on the road.
Phyona Schrader is pacing the Irish this season with 210 kills. Sydney Palazzolo (199) and Morgan Gaerte (185) are close behind. Schrader's 378 assists are the most on the team, with Ella Sandt trailing her at 325.
Defensively, Notre Dame is led by Hattie Monson, who has a team-best 261 digs this season. Schrader (221) has also surpassed 200 digs. Anna Bjork is Notre Dame's top blocker with 75 on the season. Grace Langer is close behind with 60 rejections.
The Fighting Irish are No. 7 in the ACC in digs per set (14.24).
Syracuse vs. Notre Dame | Notre Dame leads 30-7 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Sept. 24, 2023
Syracuse vs. No. 4 Louisville Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 8, 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
Louisville Links: Roster | Schedule
Syracuse vs. Notre Dame Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 10, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 1 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Notre Dame Links: Roster | Schedule
Up Next
Syracuse returns to the road next weekend to face No. 16 Georgia Tech on Nov. 15 and Clemson on Nov. 17. The match against the Tigers will air on ACC Network.
For the latest news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
The Orange will take on the nationally ranked Cardinals on Friday at 6 p.m. and the Fighting Irish at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Both contests at the Women's Building will be streamed live on ACCNX.
Mission ACComplished
Syracuse snapped its 31-match ACC losing streak on Oct. 27 with a five-set victory against Virginia Tech at the Women's Building. The Orange won the last two sets to earn their first conference win since Nov. 6, 2022. The Orange offense was especially efficient in the fifth set, as 13 of the team's 15 points came via kills. 'Cuse hit at a .522 clip in the final frame.
The win was the first five-set ACC triumph for the Orange since Oct. 16, 2022. It was also the team's first successful 2-1 comeback since Nov. 24, 2019.
Syracuse has taken three ACC opponents to five sets this season and has won at least one set in five conference outings.
Hot Start
The Orange completed non-conference play undefeated (12-0) for the first time since the 2010 season. 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 finished as one of the final seven unbeaten teams in the country after its 12-0 start to the campaign.
'Cuse 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. 8 in the ACC with 278 kills. She has racked up double-digit kills in 17 of Syracuse's 24 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 187 digs lead the Orange.
Palm has recorded six double-doubles this season, including in three of the last four 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 tied for the lead on the Orange in aces (25).
Block Party
The Syracuse front line has been a force so far this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 8 in the ACC in blocks per set (2.44). Syracuse had 10 blocks against Wake Forest last weekend, marking the second time in three matches the Orange have reached double figures.
Syracuse put down a season-best 17 blocks against California on Oct. 12, the team's most in a match since registering 18 against Hartford on Sept. 4, 2021.
Anastasiia Nikolnikova is pacing the Orange with 76 blocks on the season, with Sydney Moore close behind at 69. Nikolnikova's 1.27 blocks per set are the fifth most in the ACC.
Double Trouble
Syracuse's two sophomore setters have complimented each other throughout the season. Mira Ledermueller has started the last four matches after Veronica Sierzant started the six prior.
Ledermueller eclipsed 40 assists for the second time this season against Virginia Tech in Syracuse's most recent victory, as her 41 were her two short of her season-high tally.
Sierzant recently set new career highs in assists (48) and digs (20) against California on Oct. 12, both of which were also highs for the team this season. It was her first time surpassing 40 assists in a match and the most assists by a Syracuse player in a match since Elena Karakasi notched 58 against Florida State on Oct. 31, 2024.
Sierzant matched her 20-dig total last weekend against Wake Forest while also delivering 27 assists for her fourth double-double of the campaign.
Sierzant (395) and Ledermueller (347) have both surpassed 300 assists on the season. Ledermueller's 7.08 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 was big down the stretch in Syracuse's first ACC win against Virginia Tech on Oct. 27, as the redshirt freshman tallied a team-best six kills in the final set, including on the final two points.
George has registered four double-doubles on the campaign, with the most recent coming against Virginia Tech on Oct. 27, her first in ACC play. She had 14 kills and 13 digs against the Hokies. All four of her double-doubles have been achieved with kills and digs.
George has reached double-digit digs seven times this season, which included a career-best 17 dig outing last weekend at Wake Forest. Her 181 digs are the second most on the team.
The outside hitter is currently second on the team in kills (180) and her 2.12 kills per set trail only Palm for the most on the Orange.
George's serve has also been a weapon this season, as her 25 aces are tied with Palm for the most on the team. She hit three aces in Syracuse's matches last weekend at NC State and Wake Forest.
Harris-Waddy Emerging
Zharia Harris-Waddy has started eight of the last 10 matches for Syracuse and has played an important role for the Orange in those contests.
The sophomore recently had her best match with Syracuse, as she delivered a career-best 13 kills on 25 swings against Virginia Tech on Oct. 27. She also added three blocks and two aces in the victory against the Hokies.
Harris-Waddy has registered five or more kills in six of the last seven matches. Since ACC play began, Harris-Waddy's 58 kills are the third most on the team behind Ava Palm (123) and Skylar George (73). Harris-Waddy's serve has also provided a spark for the Orange, as her nine aces are the most on the team during conference play.
Defensively, Harris-Waddy was a force in the front row last weekend, as she led the team with five blocks against NC State and six at Wake Forest.
Sweet Annie
In her 20 appearances this season, Anastasiia Nikolnikova has made an impact both offensively and defensively.
Nikolnikova is currently ranked No. 3 in the ACC and No. 32 in the country in hitting percentage (.385). The junior has hit at least .400 in 10 contests this season. She hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings in Syracuse's most recent victory against Virginia Tech.
Nikolnikova is also leading the Orange in blocks per set (1.27) and blocks (76). She ranks No. 5 in the ACC and No. 46 in the NCAA in blocks per set.
Can You Dig It?
The Orange totaled 90 digs as a team last weekend against Wake Forest. It was one dig short of their season high of 91, which came in a five-set match against California on Oct. 12.
The 90 digs were the most for Syracuse in a four-set contest since joining the ACC in 2014. This is also the first time since joining the ACC that 'Cuse has accrued 90 digs in multiple matches in the same season.
Six different Syracuse players reached double-digit digs in the match against Wake Forest - Veronica Sierzant (20), Skylar George (17), Ava Palm (13), Ashlee Gnau (13), Nikki Shimao (10) and Greta Schlichter (10). It was just the second time an ACC team has had six or more players hit double figures in digs in a single match this season. Duke also had six achieve the feat at Wake Forest on Oct. 11.
Since ACC play began. Syracuse is averaging the eighth most digs per set (14.20) in the conference as a team.
Coming Up Aces
The serve has been a crucial part of Syracuse's success this season, as the Orange currently rank No. 4 in the ACC in aces.
Syracuse's 142 aces this season trail just No. 25 North Carolina (152) and No. 1 Pittsburgh (149) and No. 10 SMU (147) in the ACC. 'Cuse's 1.65 aces per set are also the seventh most in the conference.
Ava Palm and Skylar George both have 25 aces this season to pace the team.
Zharia Harris-Waddy is third on the team with 15 aces and has the most on the Orange since ACC play began. Anastasiia Nikolnikova (14), Sara Wasiakowska (14), Greta Schlichter (11) and Veronica Sierzant (10) are all in double figures.
Scouting No. 4 Louisville
Louisville enters the weekend tied with No. 1 Pittsburgh atop the ACC with an 11-1 conference record. The lone ACC defeat came at Pittsburgh in a fifth set. The Cardinals are 19-3 overall with impressive wins against No. 3 Wisconsin, No. 9 Creighton, No. 11 Kentucky, No. 3 Stanford and No. 12 SMU.
The Cardinals checked in at No. 4 in this week's AVCA top 25 poll and are currently the No. 1 ranked team in the RPI. Last weekend, Louisville swept Notre Dame in both legs of a home-and-home.
Anna DeBeer leads the Cardinals with 246 kills on the season. She earned ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors on Oct. 14 after going for 23 kills against Florida State and 18 against Miami that weekend. Charitie Luper, who is second on the Cardinals with 223 kills, was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week the week before DeBeer. She has been an efficient outside hitter, as she swings at a .253 clip.
Freshman Nayelis Cabello and Elle Glock have split the setting duties for the Cardinals this season. Cabello leads the team with 412 assists and has won ACC Freshman of the Week honors on four occasions, including Monday. Glock is just three assists behind at 409.
One of the most decorated active liberos in college volleyball, Elena Scott has also racked up three ACC Defensive Player of the Week awards on the campaign. She leads the ACC with 4.68 digs per set and has posted 20+ assists in seven matches this season.
Cara Cresse leads the Cardinals and ranks No. 32 in the country with 112 blocks this season. She earned ACC Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 14 after totaling 16 blocks in wins over Florida State and Miami.
As a team, Louisville leads the ACC in blocks per set (3.06) and is No. 2 in opponent hitting percentage (.138).
Syracuse vs. No. 4 Louisville | Louisville leads 19-3 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Sept. 22, 2023
Scouting Notre Dame
Notre Dame holds a 9-12 overall record and is 2-10 in ACC play. The Fighting Irish were swept twice last week by Louisville. In their last match before the pair against the Cardinals, Notre Dame took a set off No. 1 Pittsburgh on the road.
Phyona Schrader is pacing the Irish this season with 210 kills. Sydney Palazzolo (199) and Morgan Gaerte (185) are close behind. Schrader's 378 assists are the most on the team, with Ella Sandt trailing her at 325.
Defensively, Notre Dame is led by Hattie Monson, who has a team-best 261 digs this season. Schrader (221) has also surpassed 200 digs. Anna Bjork is Notre Dame's top blocker with 75 on the season. Grace Langer is close behind with 60 rejections.
The Fighting Irish are No. 7 in the ACC in digs per set (14.24).
Syracuse vs. Notre Dame | Notre Dame leads 30-7 | Last meeting: L 0-3, Sept. 24, 2023
Syracuse vs. No. 4 Louisville Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 8, 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
Louisville Links: Roster | Schedule
Syracuse vs. Notre Dame Briefing
Match Details: Nov. 10, 2024 | Syracuse, N.Y. | Women's Building | 1 p.m.
Live Video: ACCNX
Live Coverage: Stats
Twitter: @CuseVB
Instagram: @cusevb
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Notre Dame Links: Roster | Schedule
Up Next
Syracuse returns to the road next weekend to face No. 16 Georgia Tech on Nov. 15 and Clemson on Nov. 17. The match against the Tigers will air on ACC Network.
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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