The Syracuse University volleyball team (13-6, 5-4 ACC) battled back from a 1-2 deficit to defeat Boston College in five sets on Wednesday night at the Connell Recreation Center. The Orange took the match 3-2 (19-25, 25-15, 25-27, 30-28, 15-12), improving their conference record to 5-4 with a gritty road victory.
Gabby McLaughlin led Syracuse with 22 kills on a .283 hitting percentage while adding 14 digs for her 12th double-double of the season. Marie Laurio recorded the first double-double of her career with career highs of 10 kills and 13 digs. Tehya Maeva distributed a career-high 54 assists while contributing 11 digs, and Soana Lea’ea added seven kills with 10 blocks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Boston College took control early, winning the opening set 25-19 behind strong offensive play from Audrey Ross. The Orange struggled to find their rhythm as the Eagles built momentum.
Syracuse responded emphatically in the second set with a dominant 25-15 victory. The Orange offense came alive with contributions across the board, including five kills from McLaughlin in the frame.
The third set turned into a back-and-forth battle with multiple ties and lead changes. Boston College edged ahead late and held on for a 27-25 win to retake the match lead. Ross continued to power the Eagles’ attack while the Orange fought to stay close throughout.
Syracuse refused to fold in the fourth set, battling through 15 ties and eight lead changes in a marathon frame. The Orange overcame a 22-19 deficit and eventually prevailed 30-28 to force a deciding fifth set. McLaughlin and Harris-Waddy provided key kills down the stretch. Lea’ea and Skylar George recorded the set-sealing block to force a fifth set.
The Orange fell behind in the fifth set, 10-8, needing a spark. Head Coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam called a timeout, leading to a 4-0 run from the Orange. Laurio’s service ace gave the Orange a 12-10 cushion, and McLaughlin delivered the deciding blow with her 22nd kill to secure the victory at 15-12.
NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS
- Gabby McLaughlin posted her 12th double-double of the season with 22 kills and 14 digs while hitting .283.
- Marie Laurio recorded her first career double-double with career highs of 10 kills and 13 digs.
- Tehya Maeva distributed a career-high 54 assists while adding 11 digs.
- Soana Lea’ea contributed seven kills with 10 blocks.
- Zharia Harris-Waddy added nine kills while hitting .318.
- Skylar George recorded 13 kills and eight digs.
- Rana Yamada tallied 25 digs with one service ace.
- Syracuse posted seven service aces as a team.
- The Orange anthem .181 as a team while limiting Boston College to .135.
- The fourth set featured 15 ties and eight lead changes.
UP NEXT
The Orange and Eagles will meet once more this week when Boston College comes to the Women’s Building on Friday. Friday’s match will start at 5:00 p.m. and air on ACC Network Extra.
For the new news on the Syracuse volleyball program, follow /CuseVB on Facebook, @CuseVB on Instagram, and @CuseVB on X/Twitter.
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