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September 20, 2024
Raleigh, NC– Friday night was electric at Reynolds Coliseum for the start of the 3rd week of NC State Volleyball (5-2, 0-0) as they kicked off the Summit Hospitality Group Open against the VCU Rams (1-6,0-0.) The Wolfpack come into the match riding a 3-game winning streak. NC State was able to earn a weekend sweep against both North and South Florida. The Rams come in with a 2-game losing streak, however they held a 3-2 overall record against the Pack prior to the match. The Pack now hold a 3-1 record against the Rams at Reynolds.
The Wolfpack were down early in the first set 10-8 at the first timeout of the game. The Wolfpack got off to a fast start, but the Rams were able to stave off the early pressure by the Pack and settled into the early lead. The Wolfpack would come out of the timeout hot taking 6 of the next 7 points to take a 14-11 lead midway through the 1st set. VCU would take their 2nd timeout of the set with the Pack leading 18-15 following a couple attack errors by the Rams.
The Wolfpack would use 12 kills and 3 service aces to take the first set 25-18. The Wolfpack used a balanced attack against the Rams as 5 different players ended the set with 2 kills each. Defensively, the Wolfpack used 3 blocks in the set as well to keep the Rams at bay. NC State also finished the set with 18 digs and 10 assists.
The second set was an early back and forth affair until the Pack grabbed an 11-8 lead at the first timeout of the set. VCU would be forced to take another timeout as the Wolfpack would use a 7-2 run to extend the lead further in the 2nd set to 18-10. The combination of Amanda Rice, Ava Brizard, Courtney Bryant, and Sophia Groom helped the Wolfpack pull away from the Rams. Rice finished the set with 8 total kills and 6 alone in the second set. The Wolfpack won the set 25-15 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
The third set also went the way of the Wolfpack. NC State was able to keep the Rams attack under control with superb play at the net and on the backline. The Wolfpack were once again paced by Amanda Rice as she added another 4 more kills to finish with a match-high 12 kills.
NC State was able to keep the Rams bottled up defensively with their play at the net was stifling throughout the match. The Pack took advantage of several Rams mistakes throughout the match that led to some easier put aways. Offensively, the Wolfpack were efficient in their offensive attacks and even better on their passes as well as they were able to take down the Rams in 3 sets to earn the sweep.
Next up for NC State is a Sunday showdown with Coastal Carolina at Reynolds Coliseum.
Final Stats from the game:
Post-game Interviews with Coach Slabe and Naomi Cabello
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