McLaughlin’s Double-Double Powers Syracuse to 3-1 Win Over Rider

Saturday, August 30

Syracuse, NY

5:00 PM

Syracuse University

2-0,0-0ACC

Rider

1-1,0-0MAAC

Rider

Syracuse

McLaughlin’s Double-Double Powers Syracuse to 3-1 Win Over Rider

8/30/2025 8:52:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University Volleyball program (2-0, 0-0 ACC) continued its strong start to the 2025 season, topping Rider, 3-1, on Saturday evening.

The Orange were led by senior Gabby McLaughlin, posting her first double-double in Orange with a team-high 18 kills and 13 digs. Junior Tehya Maeva compiled 32 kills in the win, her highest mark as a member of the Orange.

Junior Veronica Sierzant's versatility was on full display against Rider, notching six kills along with 10 assists and four blocks. Zharia Harris-Waddy was a force at the net once again on Saturday, finishing with 10 kills and seven block assists.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The match was closely contested from start to finish in all four sets on Saturday. Yet, the Orange's late pushes pushed them over the edge.

Sitting with an 19-17 lead in the opening set, the Orange proceeded to go on a quick run to open up a 22-17 lead. Sierzant was crucial in the spurt, forcing the Broncs out of structure with her serves while also adding an assist in the run. Rider made a brief comeback bid but the Orange would eventually win the set, 25-22.

The second set was a similar story, but the Broncs flipped the script on Syracuse. Tied at 18-points apiece, the Broncs went on to take three straight points. Freshman Marie Laurio and McLaughlin helped cut into the deficit, rattling off a couple of kills on back-to-back points. Rider once again answered, though, to put the Orange against the ropes as they trailed 23-21.

Syracuse never wavered as Sierzant finished off a kill to regain service before junior Rana Yamada took over to serve. Her strong serve forced the Broncs out of position, helping the Orange secure three straight points and earn a 25-23 win in set two.

Rider once again took a slim lead down the stretch of the third set. Yet, this time, they were able to stave off an Orange rally as the Broncs took set three, 25-23.

The Orange found themselves tied down the stretch of the fourth set, each team owning 19 points. Yet, the Orange went on another one of their trademark runs, winning five straight points, to find themselves with a 24-19 lead. Just a few rallies later, Sierzant earned the match-clinching kill for the second night in a row. Junior Skylar George led the way in the fourth set with six kills to go along with a block.

NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Gabby McLaughlin earned her first double-double in Orange on Saturday, posting 18 kills and 10 digs.
Zharia Harris-Waddy opened her 2025 season with back-to-back matches in double-digit kills, adding 10 against Rider. She also led the team in blocks with seven.
Tehya Maeva paced the offense, assisting on 32 kills on Saturday.
Despite playing in just the fourth set, Skylar George racked up six kills and a block assist and was crucial in Syracuse securing a win in the frame.
Veronica Sierzant showcased her ability to do it all on Saturday, recording six kills, 10 assists and four blocks.
Rana Yamada anchored the defense with team-high 17 digs and added seven assists to go with four aces.
Reese Teves rotated in to serve and made the most of her opportunities, recording three aces on the night.
The Orange dominated from the service line, finishing with 10 aces to Rider's five.

UP NEXT
The Orange wrap up the Salt City Classic tomorrow when they take on Le Moyne at 2 PM.

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