Hokies Fall In Four Sets To Miami

Luke Evans

Staff Writer

September 24, 2023

Virginia Tech got out to a strong start winning the first set, but dropped the last three to fall 3-1 to Miami. (Virginia Tech Athletics)

BLACKSBURG - In its second ACC matchup of the season, Virginia Tech’s (10-3, 0-2 ACC) volleyball fell to Miami (8-4, 1-1) in four sets. 

Tech started the match strong, with the Hokies dominating much of the first set. Cara Lewis’ three kills helped lead the way, and allowed the maroon and orange to pull away in a 25-17 victory in the first set of the day.

Carrying the momentum from the first set, the Hokies started set two with a 9-5 lead. However, Miami wasn’t going to back down without a fight. The Canes immediately struck back to make it 15-12, and were able to pull within three at the first media timeout. Thanks to a couple of aces, kills and Tech errors, Miami was able to claw its way back in and win the second set 25-21.

From that point forward, it was all gas and no brakes from the Canes, with Miami starting set three off with an 8-3 lead. Tech then struck back quickly, and pulled the set within one at 16-15. Junior Elayna Duprey was vital for the Hokies in the set, as her play in front of the net was aggressive and consistent. Momentum looked to be shifting when a rally that included countless set-ups for spikes, numerous digs and players flying everywhere to get the ball ended with graduate senior Sydney Petersen blocking a spike for a Hokie point. However, Miami was able to regain their composure and close out the set to win 25-23.

In the final set of the match, the scoreline between the two teams was fairly even to start. At one point, the two teams were tied at eight a piece. This is where the set, and eventually the match, would shift in favor of the Hurricanes. Miami would go on to score nine straight points, and eventually closed out the set 25-11, defeating the Hokies in four sets.

Leading the way for Miami was Flormarie Heredia Colon, who dominated with 19 kills and 16 digs, and Savannah Vach, who had one kill, 12 digs and 49 assists.

For the Hokies, Duprey was the focal point of the team, as she finished with 13 kills, one ace, and nine digs. Petersen also had a respectable match, with her concluding the match with eight kills on 13 total attacks. 

Sunday's loss means that Miami’s unbeaten streak against Virginia Tech extends to 11 games over 10 years. The Hokies last win against the Hurricanes came in 2013. This loss also becomes their third in a row, after starting the season with a 10-0 record for the first time in school history. 

Virginia Tech will look to bounce back from two-straight ACC losses this upcoming Friday when it takes on Georgia Tech at 4 p.m. ET in Cassell Coliseum. The match will be streamed on the ACC Network Extra.