BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech volleyball team recorded its 11th win of the season Friday afternoon, defeating Boston College 3-1. After falling in the first set 25-18, the Hokies bounced back and took down the Eagles 25-22, 25-19, 25-22.
A big part of Tech's victory was the Hokie block, powered by Marisa Cerchio and Tasha Vipond. Vipond recorded 11 block assists and a solo block, while Cerchio had 10 block assists. The Hokies finished the match with 18 team blocks, just one away from their season-high set the last time these two teams squared off.
The Hokies came alive in the second set after dropping the first, as the offense got going for Tech. It was a balanced attack that recorded a match-high 12 kills. Hughes led the way with three kills and Vipond, Cerchio, Postema and Powell added two kills. Angel Robinson also had a kill for the Hokies. Tech was also solid defensively as eight different players recorded at least one dig.
Coming back from a 4-0 deficit in the third set, the Hokies battled to take the lead at 6-5 off a kill from Vipond. The Hokies continued to push to go up 2-1 with a 25-19 set two win. The Hokie block was strong in the second with eight blocks as Cerchio and Vipond each had six block assists. Cera Powell hit .545 in the second with six kills to lead the Hokies.
The fourth set also saw a strong Hokie block with six total for Tech. Hughes came through with three kills and three block assists to lead Tech. She hit .333 in the fourth set to help push the Hokies to victory.
Tech finished the match with a .184 hitting percentage compared to a .171 posted by Boston College. Powell ended her match with a team-high 12 kills and a .257 hitting percentage. Hughes had eight kills on the day and Vipond, Cerchio and Robinson added six.
Freshman Elayna Duprey held down the back line for the Hokies, recording a season and team-high 11 digs. Postema had 36 assists for the Hokies and also added three kills in her four sets played.
For Boston College, Clare Naughton posted a double-double with 17 kills and 15 digs. Mackenzie Fuhrmann added 13 kills and Anna Murphy had 17 digs, a team-high.
The Hokies now make the trip to South Bend for a Noon first serve against the Fighting Irish on Sunday.Gallery: (11-19-2021) VB: Boston College Match