Nov. 18, 2016
THE FLATS – The Georgia Tech volleyball team (22-7, 13-4 ACC) defeated Louisville (9-18, 4-13) on Friday night at O’Keefe Gym. It marked the first Yellow Jacket win against the Cardinals since August 27, 2011.
How It Happened
Set one was a back and forth battle that saw 16 ties and six lead changes. It was a battle until the very end as the two teams traded set point. Louisville was poised to win the game 27-26, but the Yellow Jackets scored the final three points thanks to kills by Sydney Wilson and Ashley Askin, and a Louisville attacking error.
The momentum shifted late in game two into Louisville’s favor, as the Cardinals overcame an 18-11 deficit to tie the second set 19-19. The Jackets held on and at 24-24, a kill by Ashley Askin and block by Askin and Kodie Comby put the set away for Tech, 26-24.
The Jackets jumped out to a 6-0 start in game three, but the tide shifted late into Louisville’s favor. The Cardinals fought back to win the set 25-20 and force a fourth frame.
At 3-3 in game four, the Jackets recorded back-to-back blocks and never looked back. Tech ran away with the set to win 25-19 and take the match 3-1.
Quote
“This match we tried to stay resilient and consistent,” head coach Michelle Collier said. “It wasn’t our best match. It was a high-error match for us and we had been playing very low-error clean volleyball.
“I’m proud of how Gabby Benda came in and controlled the game. We ended up hitting about .360 that last game and that’s where we should be.”
Quick Hits
– The last time Georgia Tech won 22 matches was in 2007.
– Teegan Van Gunst recorded her 17th double-double with 17 kills and 12 digs.
– Gabby Benda tallied her first double-double of the season with 23 assists and a career-best 15 digs.
– London Ackermann put up 23 digs and Annika Van Gunst added nine kills and 15 digs.
– Ashley Askin put down eight kills.
– Rebecca Martin had two aces and seven digs.
– Lauren Pitz had three solo blocks.
Up Next
The Jackets host Notre Dame on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the final home match of the 2016 season. Georgia Tech will honor its five seniors in a pre-match ceremony.
Follow Along
For the latest information on the Georgia Tech volleyball team, follow us on Twitter (@GTVolleyball), Instagram (GTVolleyball), Facebook (Georgia Tech Volleyball) or visit us at www.ramblinwreck.com.
