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Virginia Tech’s volleyball team extended its winning streak to six matches and earned its second consecutive tournament sweep this past weekend at Western Kentucky University.
The Hokies (8-1, 0-0 ACC) remained unbeaten in neutral play, as they handled the University of Central Arkansas 3-1, Western Kentucky 3-2 and the University of Missouri 3-1.
“I thought we played well as a unit and were very low error,” said Chris Riley, Tech’s head coach. “(This) is the key to our game, and I thought we were very good as a group this past weekend.”
The Hokies got off to a fast start in the first set against Central Arkansas, leaping out to a 13-9 lead, and eventually going ahead 20-12. However, the Sugar Bears mounted a tremendous comeback to pull within one, 23-22. Thanks to a kill by freshman outside hitter Samantha Gostling and an attack error by the Sugar Bears, Tech put the set away 25-23.
Central Arkansas took a quick lead in the second set, opening up 10-6. However, the Hokies responded with a run to eventually tie the score at 12. The Hokies then found themselves trailing 23-21, but back-to-back kills by junior outside hitter
Justine Record tied the score at 23. A block by junior setter Erin Leaser and senior All-American middle blocker Felicia Willoughby finished off the Sugar Bears, 25-23.
“We didn’t have as many errors as we normally do, and everyone did their part,” said Willoughby. “We went in with a lot more confidence and mental toughness.”
The Sugar Bears stole the third set from the Hokies in a wild 26-24 finish. However, the Hokies jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead in the fourth set, eventually claiming their fourth consecutive victory 25-14.
The Hokies technically picked up their first away victory of the season when they beat tournament host Western Kentucky 3-2.
The first set was extremely close as neither team claimed a lead larger than two. Sophomore outside hitter Jennifer Wiker got back-to-back kills for the Hokies to give Tech the advantage, 22-20.
Three attack errors in a row gave the Hokies the first set 25-22.
The Hokies jumped out to an 8-3 lead in the second set and maintained that lead for a late 23-19 advantage.
The Lady Toppers went on to score four unanswered points to tie the score at 23, until Record notched her 600th career kill to put the Hokies up 24-23. Record and Willoughby added two more kills, and the Hokies capitalized on Lady Topper errors to take the set 27-25.
Western Kentucky responded with a strong showing in the third set. The set was back and forth throughout, leading to a tie at 21. Four subsequent kills by the Lady Toppers doomed the Hokies, as they went on to snag the third set 25-22.
A version of this article appeared in the Sep 15 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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