Woods Records Season-High 16 Kills in Four-Set Battle vs. SyracuseWoods Records Season-High 16 Kills in Four-Set Battle vs. Syracuse
Volleyball

Woods Records Season-High 16 Kills in Four-Set Battle vs. Syracuse

The Hokies will host their annual “Dig Pink” Pink Out match on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. vs. Boston College

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Box Score

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech opened strong by taking the first set but ultimately fell 3-1 to Syracuse in an ACC matchup Friday night at Cassell Coliseum. 

The Hokies (8-6, 0-3 ACC) started with intensity, outlasting Syracuse (10-3, 2-1) in a thrilling first set that featured 15 ties and several lead changes. Virginia Tech pulled ahead late to win the set 30-28, marking its third-highest scoring set of the season. 

Set two mirrored the intensity of the first, with 11 tied scores and four lead changes. The Hokies held the Orange to a 24-24 deadlock, but Syracuse edged ahead to take the set 27-25 and tie the match. 

In the third set, Virginia Tech jumped out to a 21-18 lead, led by Payton Woods’ six kills in the frame. However, the Orange rallied again, closing the gap and claiming the set 25-23. 

Syracuse took control in the fourth and final set despite the Hokies tying the score at 3-3 and 4-4. Virginia Tech stayed within reach but never regained momentum, falling 25-19 as Syracuse sealed the match victory. 

 MATCH NOTES: 

  • Payton Woods recorded a season-high 16 kills, adding two digs, one solo block, and three block assists to lead the Hokies with 18.5 points. 
  • Ainsley Ranstead contributed across the board with eight kills, eight digs, three service aces, one assist, and two block assists. 
  • Brianna Holladay, a standout freshman, added eight kills, two digs, and three block assists while leading the team with a .429 hitting percentage. 
  • Erica Fava anchored the defense with a match-high 18 digs. 
  • Ivy Cooper recorded a season-high eight digs. 

UP NEXT
Virginia Tech returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m., hosting Boston College at Cassell Coliseum for its annual “Dig Pink” match in support of breast cancer awareness. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer warriors. The match will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra.