Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - The Hokies (1-2) closed out opening weekend of the 2024 season with a three-set loss to Winthrop (1-1).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Early in set one, the Winthrop Eagles secured an 8-0 scoring run, creating an advantage the Hokies could not recover from. There was no lack of effort from the squad though, as Hailey Pearce led with five kills and six Hokies got points on the board.
Set two was a battle as VT went point for point with the Eagles, with Peace notching another five kills and the squad putting up four blocks. Ultimately the Hokies fell in set two.
Anticipation arrived in set three as the Hokies and Eagles traded 2-3 point service runs the entirety of the set. Sarah Malinowski and Peace topped the chart for the team with four kills each with a collective 13 digs and five blocks from the squad. The Eagles were able to retain the advantage and take the set 25-21.
GAME NOTES
- Hailey Pearce notched her third consecutive match with double-digit kills, tallying 14. The right side also recorded one service ace and two block assists.
- Viktoria Wahlgren tossed 26 assists on the board, her highest average per set of the season thus far. Wahlgren also accumulated a season-high six kills and one block assist in the contest.
- Belle Patrick tied the team-high of six digs and added six kills and one ace to her season.
- Sarah Malinowski posted a season-high of six kills and tied her season-high of three block assists.
- Jasmine Robinson extended her 3+ block per game streak to three, tacking on a block solo and two assists to her four kills.
- The Hokies totaled 38 kills, 31 assists, 26 digs, 12 total blocks and three service aces.
UP NEXT
The Hokies travel to Richmond, Va. to partake in the VCU Invitational. The squad will face VCU (0-2) on Friday at 6 p.m. and Lafayette (3-1) on Saturday at 1 p.m.