CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia volleyball team (1-0) opened its 45th season on Friday night in the Cavalier Classic at Memorial Gymnasium with a convincing sweep over Rider (25-12, 25-20, 25-17).
The Cavaliers were led by right side hitter Chloe Wilson (13 kills, 4 blocks), newcomer Ciera Hecht (11 kills) and middle blocker Abby Tadder (10 kills, 11 attempts).
With the win, the Cavaliers are 28-17 (.622) all-time in season openers and have won eight of the last 10 season openers.
Set 1: Virginia 25, Rider 16
Virginia won the first set handedly with the Hecht’s help, who notched five kills on seven attempts, good for a .714 hitting clip. Defensive specialist Heyli Velasquez was behind the service line for six serves straight as the Hoos claimed six points unanswered in the middle of the set. Middle blocker Veresia Yon also posted three kills and was involved in four of the seven Cavalier blocks in the opening stanza.
Set 2: Virginia 25, Rider 20
The second set was a back and forth battle, featuring seven ties between the two teams. Four quick kills by Tadder gave UVA some separation from the Broncos toward the back half of the set before the Cavaliers ultimately pulled away and commanded a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Set 3: Virginia 25, Rider 17
Wilson exploded throughout the final set, going for seven kills on eight attempts as well as adding a block to help the Hoos secure the third and match. Newcomers Regan Trueblood and Lily Gervase made their UVA debuts in the third, while Brooklyn Borum GG Carvacho also made an appearance off the bench
GAME NOTES
- With the win, the Cavaliers are 28-17 (.622) all-time in season openers and have won eight of the last 10 season openers.
- Virginia has out-matched its opponents 92-60 in total sets all-time in season openers.
- Virginia now holds a 1-0 lead in series history over Rider.
- The Cavaliers out-hit the Broncos .322-.040.
- Ashley Le posted a double-double with a game leading 26 assists and 14 digs.
- Tadder’s .909 hitting percentage ties her with Shannon Boyle for second place all-time in program history in hitting percentage in a single match, who did so against Boise State in 2003
- Veresia Yon led all players in total blocks with six.
UP NEXT
- The Hoos round out action at the Cavalier Classic on Saturday (Aug. 26), when they host Rutgers at 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday’s match is set to stream on ACCNX.
- North Carolina A&T and Rider will go head-to-head starting at noon.