Over the weekend, NC State volleyball traveled to Richmond, Virginia, for the VCU Invite, its final non-conference games before entering the heart of its ACC schedule. It thoroughly handled host VCU on Saturday before falling in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Old Dominion on Sunday.
VCU
Per usual, NC State quickly fell behind in set one, allowing VCU to launch out to an early 13-8 lead. However, like it has done all season, the Wolfpack kept its composure and rallied for a two-point victory in set one. Using what it learned from the previous set, the red-and-white dominated set two, holding VCU to a season-low six points in the frame.
Like any good sporting event, it wasn’t complete domination as VCU took set three 25-19. But instead of getting lazy and complacent, NC State returned to form for a final, match-sealing 25-19 win in the fourth set.
Through it all, the difference-maker was the serving difference. NC State capitalized on 10 aces throughout the four sets while only allowing one to VCU, showing that the Wolfpack will make you earn every single point instead of handing free tallies away. The staunch defense was led by freshman middle blocker Talia Francom’s career-high and team-best eight blocks.
Old Dominion
From the opening of the first set, it was clear that neither team would let the other score easily. Once again, NC State gave up an early 5-0 lead, but instead of rallying to take the set, it fell short by just two points. But it was no matter for head coach Megan Wargo-Kearney’s squad as they commanded the second set with a 25-12 victory.
The set win provided a huge momentum boost in favor of the red-and-white as it built off the energy to take set three 25-20. It seemed as though NC State would escape with a demanding victory and end its non-conference schedule on a high note, but it wasn’t to be. Old Dominion fought for a 28-26 victory in the fourth set to force a match-deciding fifth set. Old Dominion led by two for the majority of the frame, but NC State managed to tie it at 13 apiece. However, it lost its footing and gave up two quick points at the end to seal its own fate.
Four members of the Pack finished the match with double-digit kills, but it was Francom and senior outside hitter Courtney Bryant who took home All-Tournament Team honors.
Next up, NC State dives into the heart of its conference schedule, traveling to Durham on Friday to take on Tobacco Road rival Duke. The match is set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
