BLACKSBURG – In their opening match of the season, the Virginia Tech volleyball team took down The Citadel 3-0 on Thursday afternoon at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.
The Hokies (1-0, 0-0 ACC) cruised past the Bulldogs (0-2) in three sets. Tech's victory marks the first win for new head coach Marci Byers as a Hokie.
The Hokies received standout performances all over the court including graduate student and Hokie newcomer Ashley Homan who recorded 12 kills and five digs. Freshmen Brie Postema dished out 20 assists along with four aces.
Senior Marisa Cerchio finished the outing with nine kills and three blocks. Returning sophomore Logan Mosley continued her ways on the defensive end registering nine digs.
THE GAME
In the first set, the Hokies jumped off to a 8-0 lead behind back-to-back kills from senior Cerchio. The Hokies controlled the set from that point on and went on to win 25-18 in the first.
In the second stanza, Tech once again jumped off to a hot start going up 12-5 behind setter Talyn Jackson's ace and sophomore Cera Powell's kill. Late in the second, Homan recorded a key kill to bring Tech up 24-15. The Hokies closed out the second 25-16.
The Citadel grabbed an early lead in third going up 7-4. Tech caught fire and went on a 5 to 1 run to even the set at 10-10. It was all Hokies from that point on as Tech claimed the third 25-18 and won the match.
QUOTING VIRGINIA TECH HEAD COACH MARCI BYERS
On her first victory as a Hokie:
"It was exciting to get back on the court again," Byers said. "I thought the kids did a great job with the scouting report. Looking forward to getting back in the gym tomorrow so we can continue to get better!"
MATCH NOTES
- Outside hitter Homan registered a hitting percentage of .667 in her first match as a Hokie.
- As a team Tech recorded nine aces which is the most in a match since they collected 11 in our win over Clemson in 2019.
- Freshman Postema tallied 20 assists in her first match at Tech along with four aces.
- Tech as a team had 12 blocks which is the most since the Hokies came up with 16 against Clemson in 2019.
UP NEXT
The Hokies host a pair of matches against North Carolina to begin ACC play on Sept. 24 & Sept. 25 at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.
Gallery: (9-17-2020) 2020 VOLLEYBALL OPENER