The N.C. State volleyball team could not snap its four-game losing streak over the weekend in Reynolds Coliseum, as ACC foes Virginia and Virginia Tech each handed the Wolfpack a loss. The Cavaliers defeated the Pack in four sets on Thursday, 25-18, 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, while the Hokies swept State on Saturday by scores 22-25, 19-25, and 20-25.
Disappointed after dropping its sixth consecutive match, junior Margaret Salata said the team just has to put the losses behind them and move on.
“It’s tough, especially when we’re at home,” junior Margaret Salata said. “When you’re at home, you want to win for your fans. We don’t get to play Virginia and Virginia Tech twice, unlike everyone else who gets to play each other twice. So there’s no, ‘Oh we’ll get them next time.’ It’s unfortunate but you do what you can and move past it.”
In the Virginia Match, the Pack struggled offensively with a .118 attack percentage, but sophomore Megan Cyr had 39 of the team’s 44 assists during the match. Senior
Alex Smith lead the team in digs for with 14, while junior Kelly Wood added 13 digs.
State could not contain the Hokies’ offense, allowing a .341 attack percentage, compared to just .195 for the Pack.
“I think that defense was an issue in both matches,” Wood said. “Defense definitely should have picked up in both matches. [Virginia] was out-digging us. Usually if you’re out-digging someone, you’re winning.”
Although the team struggled defensively, State had an opportunity to make a comeback in the third set. The Pack pulled out to an early lead in the set until Virginia Tech tied the score at 10 with a kill by junior Justine Record. The Hokies grabbed the lead with a service ace on the ensuing point and held the lead for the remainder of the set to seal the victory.
“We just have to be more consistent with our energy,” Salata said. “We’ll get really hyped up and then someone will make an error of some type and it affects the whole team. We have to figure out a way not to let it get us down. We have to act like we’re winning even when we’re not. ”
Despite the loss, Wood was able to stand out with a great performance for the Wolfpack. She broke her previous season high in digs with 21 for the match, extending her team lead to 271 for the season.
“It’s my season high,” Wood said. “It doesn’t matter who does what, who gets what, who plays the ball up, who plays they’re best. It’s about winning, getting the W. ”
