SET BY SET
Set 1 (GT 25 – NCST 19)
Tech opened the match by capitalizing on NC State’s attack errors while establishing a .303 attack percentage of its own. The Jackets also recorded three blocks in the opening frame, all of which Heloise Soares had a hand in. Tech and NC State traded points early, with the Jackets maintaining a slight edge before a five-point run gave Tech a comfortable 21-15 lead. The Wolfpack managed four more points, but the Jackets matched their offensive push to secure the opening-set win. Kobaidze led Tech with five kills, while Bennour followed closely with four. Along with her three block assists, Soares opened the match with 10 assists and four digs.
Set 2 (GT 21 – NCST 25)
The Jackets trailed early in the second set, prompting an early timeout with the Wolfpack leading 10-6. Despite the deficit, Tech continued to battle, bringing the set within two points on multiple occasions. The Jackets maintained their offensive push, but NC State capitalized on its early advantage to even the match at one set apiece. Tech saw a balanced offensive effort in the second frame, with Bieleski and Kobaidze recording three kills apiece, while Humphrey and Bennour added two each. Soares handled the bulk of Tech’s setting duties, recording seven of the Jackets’ 12 assists. Sasha Godey added three assists, while Kobaidze contributed two. Bennour and Humphrey teamed up for Tech’s lone block of the set.
Set 3 (GT 24 – NCST 26)
The third set featured nearly identical statistical performances from both teams. Tech recorded 15 kills, a .235 attack percentage, 14 assists, 11 digs and three blocks, while NC State posted 15 kills, a .242 attack percentage, 14 assists, two aces, 10 digs and three blocks. The closely contested frame featured 12 tied scores and five lead changes. Although both teams traded points and the lead throughout the set, the Wolfpack ultimately came away with the final two points to take a 26-24 win. Kobaidze led all hitters in the third set with six kills and a .308 attack percentage, while Bennour added four kills to her match total. Soares recorded her second set of the match with double-digit assists. Of Tech’s three blocks, Humphrey had a hand in all three, while Bennour contributed to two and Kobaidze added one block assist.
Set 4 (GT 25 – NCST 16)
The Jackets responded in the fourth set with an improved attack percentage (.323), fewer errors and four blocks. Tech opened the must-win frame with a 6-1 run, prompting an early timeout from the visitors. The Jackets maintained their offensive momentum throughout the set, building their largest lead at 19-9. With a comfortable advantage, Tech closed out the frame with a 25-16 victory to force a decisive fifth set. Bennour found her stride in the fourth, recording six kills on 12 swings for a .500 attack percentage. Kaneko also delivered a strong defensive performance, leading the team with five digs, while Bieleski and Kobaidze added four each. At the net, Bieleski recorded one solo block and one block assist. Garibaldi added two block assists, while Bethea, Bennour and Soares each contributed one.
Set 5 (GT 17 – NCST 19)
NC State’s .433 attack percentage proved to be the difference in the deciding set, as Tech struggled to match the Wolfpack’s offensive execution with a .321 attack percentage. The final frame featured 15 tied scores and six lead changes, with neither team holding an advantage greater than two points. NC State was the first to reach match point, but the Jackets continued to fight, extending the match point opportunity three more times before a kill and service ace sealed the victory for the Wolfpack. Kobaidze finished the match as strong as she started, recording four kills on seven swings for a .571 attack percentage. Soares accounted for all 11 of Tech’s assists in the final frame, while Bennour, Bieleski and Kobaidze each recorded three digs.
UP NEXT
The Yellow Jackets remain at home on The Flats to host Wake Forest Sunday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. in O’Keefe Gymnasium. Sunday’s match is set to be streamed on ACCNX.
Single Match Tickets
Single match tickets are now on sale with tickets prices for the 15-match home schedule start at just $10.00 with youth pricing and group discounts (10+ in a single transaction) available (youth pricing not available online).
To purchase, click here.
Full Steam Ahead
Full Steam Ahead is a $500 million fundraising initiative to achieve Georgia Tech athletics’ goal of competing for championships at the highest level in the next era of intercollegiate athletics. The initiative will fund transformative projects for Tech athletics, including renovations of Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field (the historic home of Georgia Tech football), the Zelnak Basketball Center (the practice and training facility for Tech basketball) and O’Keefe Gymnasium (the venerable home of Yellow Jackets volleyball), as well as additional projects and initiatives to further advance Georgia Tech athletics through program wide-operational support. All members of the Georgia Tech community are invited to visit atfund.org/FullSteamAhead for full details and renderings of the renovation projects, as well as to learn about opportunities to contribute online.
