Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - The Virgnia Tech squad fell to the UCF Knights in the program's home opener. The duo had not seen a matchup since the original contest in 1993, and the Hokies have now moved to 0-2 in the series history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Sets one and two did not come easy to the youthful squad, as UCF demonstrated their experience, limiting the Hokies to 25 total points between the two.
In set three, Hailey Pearce took control, hitting on a .417 clip with seven kills in the set and a block assist. The leadership from the sophomore in set three sparked a fire in the squad. Between sets three and four, VT collected 29 kills, 24 assists, five aces, 25 digs and 11 block assists. Tech evened out the sets, sending the contest to five.
In the fifth, Hailey Pearce led again on a .667 clip but the squad was unable to recover from the five point deficit mid-set. The Hokies fought but ultimately fell in set five, 13-15.
GAME NOTES
- Belle Patrick recorded her second career double-double with 17 kills and 10 digs. The match being her second consecutive with a career-high in kills and double-digit digs.
- Patrick also collected a service ace, a block assist and a perfect night in the back row with 20 flawless receptions. She posted the team-high clip of .310.
- Hailey Pearce accumulated 15 kills, matching her career-high set previously this season at Winthrop.
- Jordan Hallman secured five block assists, recording her second consecutive match with five or more total blocks.
- Viktoria Wahlgren tallied 29 assists, two service aces and four block assists, Virginia Tech career-highs in the respective categories for the junior transfer.
- Jasmine Robinson contributed significantly to defensive efforts at the net with her three block assists.
- Jordan Hallman secured a career-high six block assists , tying Robinson as the leader for defense at the net.
- Nicole Zake dished her first and second career service aces against the Knights.
- Aisha Keric collected her first career kill, assist, service ace and reception in the five-set match.
- Virginia Tech accumulated 49 kills, 41 assists, 41 digs, 17 block assists and seven aces.
UP NEXT
The Hokies are back in action against the Winthrop Eagles on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Cassell Coliesum for the opening weekend finale.