Hokie ClubROCK HILL, S.C. - The Virgnia Tech squad opened the 2024 campaign with a road win at Winthrop. The duo had not seen a matchup since the original contest in 1982, where the Hokies won 2-1. Tech now moves to 2-0 in the series history.
The squad extends the season opener win streak to 10, setting the program record, with the 3-2 win over the Eagles.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Tech secured set one with ease after a 7-0 scoring run, sending the advantage up 14-10. The squads traded serving efforts for the duration of the set, where Tech came out on top 25-21.
Belle Patrick led the squad to a set two victory, recording four kills, seven digs and two block assists. Sarah Malinowski and Jordan Hallman combined for six block assists, as the leading defensive contributors in the set two 25-22 success.
Viktoria Wahlgren opened set three with a 4-0 service run, featuring an ace to kick off the set. In the middle of the set, the Hokies fell victim to two seven-point runs for the Eagles, and fell 16-25 in the third.
After an early lead in the fourth set, the squad battled through but ultimately fell 17-25 to the Eagles after a significant late-set deficit developed.
Entering the fifth set, the Hokies and Eagles traded serving rights until Hailey Pearce secured a 5-0 serving run, sending the Tech advantage up three points. The trading of serves recommenced until 9-11 where Bell Patrick recorded her first career service aces and continued on a 3-0 run. The Hokies fought and took set five, 15-12.
GAME NOTES
- Belle Patrick recorded her first career double-double with 12 kills and 14 digs.
- Patrick also collected her first career service ace, assist and block assists in the contest and saw 25 perfect receptions.
- Hailey Pearce accumulated a career-high 15 kills against the Eagles.
- Patrick, Ece Yildiz and Ella Guilfoy secured their first career starts with Nicole Zake, Erica Dellesky and Aisha Keric recording court time as true freshmen.
- Jasmine Robinson tied her career-high of six total blocks, recording three solos and three assists.
- Jordan Hallman secured a career-high six block assists , tying Robinson as the leader for defense at the net.
- Yildiz collected 15 digs in her debut with 44 total reception.
- Viktoria Wahlgren tallied two service aces against the Eagles, while Pearce and Patrick dished one apiece.
UP NEXT
The Hokies are back in action against the UCF Knights on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Cassell Coliesum for the program's home opener.