Despite dropping the first set, Syracuse (3-0) defeated Connecticut (1-2), 3-1, in Storrs, Connecticut, to complete its three-match run at the UConn invitational this weekend.

The two teams spent the entire first set without either taking clear control, as four points was the largest deficit during the set. The last chance to win the set for the Orange came when the team was up 30-29 after a kill from senior outside hitter Silvi Uattara, but the Huskies won the next three points on consecutive kills to take the 1-0 lead.

Syracuse rebounded quickly, taking an early lead by winning the first two points. Freshman setter Jalissa Trotter recorded three assists in the first seven points she played in the set.

The Orange never lost the lead, and went on to win 25-17.

The third set featured similar strength from Syracuse, as the Orange took the lead at 2-1 and kept it from there. Senior setter Gosia Wlaszczuk was a main component to the Orange’s offensive success, as she put up nine assists in the set. Five of those assists were to Uattara, who provided seven kills.

Syracuse ultimately won the set 25-16.

The match’s fourth and final frame started rough for the Orange, as it fell behind 6-2 to start the set. SU rebounded back quickly, though, with a four-point run consisting of three UConn errors and an ace from Uattara.

Syracuse didn’t see its first lead of the set until 10-9, but still went on to win the set, 25-18

Wlaszczuk led the Orange offense with 32 assists in the match. Her 8.00 assists per set on the day was a full assist higher than her 2014 average.

Uattara’s 21 kills lead the team in that category, good for a kills per set average of 5.25 that topped her 2014 average by 1.65. She earned the tournament MVP award by totaling 45 kills and 32 digs for the weekend.

Senior outside hitter Nicolette Serratore continued her return from last season’s injury by recording 10 kills of her own. Sophomore middle blocker Leah Levert blocked three balls on her own and assisting on six other blocks.

The Orange will play against Auburn on Friday in Auburn, Alabama.

Published on August 29, 2015 at 8:38 pm

Contact Kevin: kjpacell@syr.edu