CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – After dropping the first two games, the Virginia volleyball team (9-13, 2-10 ACC) mounted a successful five-set comeback (20-25, 20-25, 25-15, 25-15, 15-11) over Virginia Tech (12-11, 2-10 ACC) in the program’s inaugural match at John Paul Jones Arena Sunday afternoon (Oct. 29). With the win, Virginia extended its lead in the Commonwealth Clash standings, presented by Smithfield, 4.5-0.
A UVA volleyball record 3,162 fans were in attendance for the win.
The Cavaliers were led by middle blockers Abby Tadder (18 kills, .441 hitting percentage, 6 blocks) and Veresia Yon (12 kills, .550 hitting percentage, 9 blocks). Tadder’s 18 kills matched her career high, which she achieved in last year’s five-set win over Florida State. Defensively, Milan Gomillion recorded a match-high 18 digs.
Set 1: Virginia Tech 25, Virginia 20
The opening set saw five early lead changes. The score was tied 7-7 when the Hokies grasped the lead and did not surrender it for the remainder of the frame. Virginia trailed 22-19 late in the game but was unable to spark a run. Tadder and Yon led the Hoos with three kills each in set No. 1. Both teams posted 11 kills, but the Hokies scored nine times off UVA attack errors.
Set 2: Virginia Tech 25, Virginia 20
Despite seven tied scores, Virginia did not lead at any point in set No. 2. The Cavaliers orchestrated a 4-0 run – UVA’s then-largest scoring run of the match – to tie the frame, 12-12. The score was knotted once more [16-16], but the Hokies tallied five straight points to take a commanding lead late in the game. Tech sided out on 16 of UVA’s 21 serves and Cara Lewis put down seven of the eight sets sent in her direction. Once again, Tadder had three kills on five swings.
Set 3: Virginia 25, Virginia Tech 15
Virginia’s offense came alive in the third as the Hoos embarked on an 11-1 run to gain a 15-7 lead. The Cavaliers went on to lead by as many as 11 [23-12] later in the game. Tadder led the charge with six kills on 11 swings, and for the second consecutive set recorded no errors. Ashley Le (24 assists), Yon and Regan Trueblood (20 assists) all dialed up one ace. Yon was also the spark behind the service for the Cavaliers amid the 11-1 scoring run.
Set 4: Virginia 25, Virginia Tech 15
The Hoos orchestrated unanswered runs of seven and five points to run away with game No. 4. UVA held the Hokies to just three kills on 38 swings in the fourth, while the Cavaliers posted 14 kills.
Set 5:…