CORALVILLE, Iowa — The University of Iowa volleyball team lost to Syracuse, 3-1, Thursday night at Xtream Arena in the first game of the Cy-Hawk Series Tournament.
Senior Maddie Slagle led the team in digs with 12, senior Courtney Buzzerio registered 20 kills, freshman Addie VanderWeide posted 15 kills, and junior Bailey Ortega totaled 37 assists.
“Overall, we had some really good moments,” said VanderWeide, “We just have to find that consistency to carry that through all the sets instead of only having moments.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 (Syracuse, 25-23): Both teams sided out every couple of points, until Iowa took its first four-point lead, 14-10. Syracuse answered to even the score, 14-14. The Hawkeyes took a second lead at 19-15, followed by another tie at 19-19, and 22-22. The Orange won three of the final four points to win the opening set.
SET 2 (Syracuse, 25-20): The teams went back-and-forth in the first half of the set, with five ties at 2, 7, 9, 10, and 13. Syracuse then built a five-point advantage, 19-14. The Hawkeyes attempted a rally, but fell short, 25-20.
SET 3 (Iowa, 25-20): The Hawkeyes brought the energy and started with a lead 5-2. Iowa maintained the lead until Syracuse tied it up, 10-10. The teams tied up again at 11, 12 and 13. Iowa maintained a three-or-four-point advantage and ultimately won by five.
SET 4 (Syracuse, 25-22): Iowa stayed behind Syracuse most of the set. Syracuse’s lead grew to five, 23-18. Three straight Buzzerio kills trimmed the deficit, but the visitors finished the set winning by three.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH VICKI BROWN
“It was good to see Addie transfer what we saw against Washington and what we have been seeing throughout practice on to the court tonight. It’s good to see her making some good plays for us out of the backcourt, as well as defensively in serve receive. Courtney got some blocks against their biggest hitters. Hannah added blocks as well. We have the players that are stepping up, we just have to find more balance offensively in all six rotations.”
NOTABLES
· Tonight was the first match fans were able to attend an Iowa volleyball match at Xtream Arena.
· Freshman Toyosi Onabanjo made her Hawkeye debut entering the starting lineup, recording three kills, three digs, and four blocks.
· VanderWeide recorded a career-high 15 kills.
· Buzzerio recorded 20 kills for the second time this season. She has reached double-digit kills in all five matches.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes host Ball State on Friday in the Cy-Hawk Series Tournament. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. (CT) at Xtream Arena.
