Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech volleyball team fell to North Carolina Friday afternoon, taking a 3-1 loss to the Tar Heels. The Hokies also recognized their seven seniors following the match for all their accomplishments over their Hokie career.
Angel Robinson, Sarah Jane Lynch, Marisa Cerchio, Tasha Vipond, Kai Young, Talyn Jackson and Griere Hughes were the seven student-athletes honored.
After falling in the first set 25-13, Tech battled back to take the second set in convincing fashion, 25-11. The Hokies came out firing, going on a 6-1 run capped by a kill from Cerchio. Virginia Tech increased its lead to 11-3 and never relinquished it to even the score at one set apiece.
Senior Marisa Cerchio and graduate student Griere Hughes provided the offensive power for the Hokies, both posting five kills. Cerchio posted a stellar .714 hitting percentage in the second set and Hughes hit .444 in the second.
Logan Mosley was solid defensively, scooping up seven digs and adding two assists. Brie Postema had 10 assists. The Hokies were on fire at the net, posting six of their 11 blocks in the second set. Robinson led the way with four block assists, as five other Hokies recorded at least one block.
The third set was also a battle with 12 tie scores and six lead changes. The biggest lead of the match was only two points, as the Hokies held a 22-20 advantage. The Tar Heels bounced back to tie the set up at 22-22 and would go on to win 25-23.
After taking the tight third set, the Tar Heels powered through to take the fourth set 25-17 to earn their 19th win of the season and eighth in ACC play. The Hokies fall to 10-17 overall.
For the Hokies, Cerchio led the way offensively with 14 kills, just shy of her career-high of 15. The senior hit .464 on the day. Hughes finished her match with 12 kills, with a .429 hitting percentage.
Mosley finished with 18 digs and Postema added 15. On the block, Robinson had seven blocks assists and Cerchio added five.
For UNC, Mabrey Shaffmaster recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 20 digs. Nia Robinson led the team with 16 kills and Amanda Phegley added 11. Meghan Neelon had a game-high 44 assists while Karenna Wurl led the way with 24 digs.
The Hokies return to action next Friday, playing host to Boston College. First serve is set for 2 p.m.Gallery: (11-13-2021) VB: UNC Match & Senior Day