Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – In the start of a new era, with first-year head coach Marci Byers, the Virginia Tech volleyball team concluded their fall slate having garnered upsets over ranked opponents, individual player milestones and strong team outings resulting in a winning record.
The Hokies finished their nine-match fall stretch with a 5-4 record overall and 4-4 record in the ACC. Tech showed up at home as they earned four victories out of five in Blacksburg. At the end of the slate, the Hokies now sit tied for seventh in the ACC standings.
THE START
Tech kicked off sports in Blacksburg as they hosted the first contest in months against the Citadel. It was a 3-0 clean sweep for the Hokies giving Byers her first win as the Hokie head coach. Outside Hitter Ashley Homan recorded 12 kills with a hitting percentage of .667 and also added five digs.
ACC PLAY
It was all ACC matches for that point in the schedule with eight conference contests left. In a two-match series against North Carolina, Tech fell 3-1 in the first match against the Tar Heels but would then respond in the second with a 3-2 five-set victory. Graduate student Kaity Smith and Homan each registered a double-double in the outing.
Building momentum, the Hokies entered into a two-match series against in-state rival Virginia at home. Senior Marisa Cerchio notched her career high in kills at that point with 17 to lead Tech to a 3-1 win over the Cavaliers in the first contest. Tech would then go on to sweep Virginia after defeating the Cavaliers 3-1 for the second straight match behind Smith's 17 kills and 14 digs. The sweep over arch-rival Virginia gave the Hokies a 39-37 advantage in the overall series.
The Hokies rolled into Durham, North Carolina seeking a fourth straight victory. Tech would pull off the 3-2 thrilling upset at No. 14 Duke. It was the Hokies' first road victory of the season and Byers first ranked win at Tech. The Hokies earned their seventh victory in program history over a ranked team and second win over a ranked Blue Devil team.
MILESTONES/NOTABLES
- Outside Hitter Smith reached the 1000 kill milestone and now sits in sole possession of 14th all-time at Tech in kills.
- The win over No. 14 Duke was the second-highest ranked win in program history (No.12 Illinois is the highest).
- Outside Hitter Homan notched the first ACC Player of the Week award of the year in her Hokie debut.
- The Hokies Director of Operations Leah Joseph earned the prestigious AVCA Diversity Award.
- Freshman Brie Postema finished ranked fourth in the ACC in aces per set with an average of 0.42 and held the top spot at one point in the season.
THE FUTURE
Tech's future is bright as they added middle blocker Kellin Morin and outside hitter Amanda Lowe to kick off the class of 2021.
The Hokie newcomers to the 2020 team gained valuable experience as they performed in key ACC outings and the Hokie veterans led Tech to a winning record in the new era of Virginia Tech volleyball.