Despite Being Swept By No. 16 FSU, Virginia Tech Volleyball’s Young Leader Steps Up In The Face Of Adversity

Madi Mann

Staff Writer

October 6, 2024

BLACKSBURG — It was a tough Sunday afternoon inside Cassell Coliseum for Virginia Tech volleyball as the Hokies (6-8, 0-4 ACC) fell to No. 16 Florida State (11-3, 3-1) in a three-set sweep: 25-13, 25-13, 25-22. 

It was clear from the start that a very young Tech team was in for an uphill climb. 

Despite the challenge, the Hokies fought hard, tying the first set at 7-7 and 10-10. Just as it was looking like Tech was going to give a top-25 team a run for their money, however,  FSU was able to take a considerable lead, making the score 21-11 after a massive 11-1 run.  

So what led to such a large gap in what was at one point a very winnable set for the Hokies? The clear answer was size and experience, and unfortunately for Tech, that issue was prevalent throughout the other two sets. 

In the second set, the Hokies defense appeared to crumble as FSU sent over a too-hard-to-handle concoction of hits and blocks that Tech was not equipped to deal with. Outside hitter Audrey Koenig had 11 kills for the Seminoles with Khori Louis trailing her with nine kills and five blocks by the end of set three. 

Despite those rather impressive statistics, it’s important to remember that both of Florida State’s leading offensive players are seniors. In fact, with only two true freshmen, the Seminoles are a very experienced team.  

Virginia Tech is on the complete opposite end of that spectrum with eight true freshmen on its roster. Plus, Leandra Mangual Duran transitioning from an outside hitter to a libero appears to be a desperate move by the Hokies. Duran led both teams on the defensive side with 12 digs, but there was a constant struggle throughout the game for the Tech defense.

The Hokies seemed to struggle heavily with communication, and Florida State took full advantage of it, finding holes in the back row and tipping to unsuspecting players. That, paired with a very obvious advantage in size for the Seminoles, contributed to VT’s crushing loss in set two. But, its game was not entirely a story of heartbreak. 

With a very inexperienced team, there comes opportunities for leadership among underclassmen. Throughout the entirety of the game, it was very clear that opportunity was being taken advantage of by one player in particular for the Hokies. 

Freshman outside hitter Belle Patrick not only led Tech's offense with eight kills, one ace and five blocks, but she also showed off impressive leadership skills throughout the three sets. When faced with adversity, not once did Patrick appear to lose her competitive fire or her relentless encouragement for her fellow teammates. She was the spark plug that her teammates needed to keep fighting no matter the outcome of previous sets. 

Patrick’s contribution to the Hokies relentless energy can be partially credited to VT’s impressive third set against the Seminoles. The set was by far the closest Tech got to a victory with scores of 10-9, 21-18 and 24-22 before Florida State came out with a 25-22 win to close out the game. 

Despite the crushing loss faced in Cassell Coliseum, Tech is showing signs of a bright future with young leaders like Patrick willing to step up and lead her team to victory. 

The Hokies will look to get in the ACC win column when they head to Atlanta, Ga. on Friday to face off against Georgia Tech (7:00 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra).