Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech (9-9, 1-6 ACC) fell to Virginia (9-8, 2-5 ACC) in five sets (25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 20-25, 12-15) Wednesday night, as the Cavaliers came back to win the final three sets and take the first leg of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash.
The first set opened with the Cavaliers posting a 2-0 run, to which the Hokies quickly responded with a 3-0 burst. After battling through six tied scores, Virginia Tech found an opening at 16-16. A kill by Reese Hazelton gave the Hokies a 17-16 edge, and from there, Tech held onto the lead to take the set 25-22.
Virginia Tech came out strong in the second set, launching a 5-0 run that included three points from Payton Woods, a kill by Isabella Mishler, and a service ace from Ainsley Ranstead. The Hokies never surrendered the lead, with Mishler standing out with four kills (.667 hitting percentage), two service aces, and two blocks. Tech closed the set 25-20.
Things heated up in Cassell Coliseum in the third set, which featured 12 tie scores and four lead changes. Virginia pushed ahead with a 4-0 run to open the set, but the Hokies answered back with a 3-0 run of their own. Despite the Hokies’ efforts, including key plays with kills from Brianna Holladay and Ainsley Ranstead, the Cavaliers pulled through late to win the set 25-22.
The fourth set was a tightly contested battle, with multiple tied scores and lead changes. Virginia never led by more than three points before Tech surged back to make it 18-17. However, the Cavaliers responded with a 4-0 run. A kill from Woods stopped the run briefly, making it 22-18, but Virginia capitalized on a Hokie attack error to win the set 25-20.
In the final set, the Hokies jumped out to a 4-0 lead, highlighted by an ace from Camilla Brandalise. Tech held the advantage until the Cavaliers rallied to close a 10-6 deficit, forcing a timeout at 9-10. The set was tied at 12-12 before Virginia went on a decisive 4-0 run to secure the match.
The win gives the Cavaliers half a point in the Commonwealth Clash, presented by Smithfield. The current score in the rivalry stands at 2.0–0.5 in favor of Virginia. For more information, visit hokiesports.com/commonwealth-clash.
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech will travel to Charlottesville, Va., for the final leg of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash. The Hokies will face Virginia again on Sunday at 3:00 PM in John Paul Jones Arena. The match will be streamed live on ACCNX.
MATCH NOTES
- Isabella Mishler led the Hokies for the second consecutive match, tying her career-best with 14 kills. She also contributed three service aces, five blocks, and posted an impressive .500 hitting percentage.
- Payton Woods was a major offensive force, leading the team with 17 kills and adding two blocks.
- Brianna Holladay made an impact in all four sets she played, recording seven kills and five blocks.
- Ainsley Ranstead filled the stat sheet with 12 digs, six kills, and a service ace, contributing on both ends of the court.