Oct. 28, 2016
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech volleyball (19-5, 10-2 ACC) swept Virginia (4-19, 1-10 ACC) for the second time this season on Friday night at O’Keefe Gym to extend the Yellow Jackets’ win streak to nine matches, the most in a season since 2006.
With the win, the Jackets have eclipsed their win totals overall and in the ACC from a season ago. It marks the 11th sweep of the season and the most sweeps in a season since 15 in 2012.
How It Happened
The Jackets were slow out of the gate as the Cavaliers raced to a 9-5 lead. The tides began to turn as Georgia Tech went on a 5-1 run behind two kills from Teegan Van Gunst and the blocking efforts of Lauren Pitz and Rebecca Martin to knot the game at 10-10. From there, the Jackets kept a high tempo to win 25-19.
Georgia Tech didn’t let up in game two. The Jackets started with a block by Sydney Wilson and Annika Van Gunst to go along with two aces by Annika Van Gunst on their way to a 5-1 lead. Tech kept its foot on the gas pedal and accelerated to a 22-16 advantage. After withstanding a 4-1 run from the Cavaliers, the Jackets were able to put the set away 25-20.
The Cavaliers found their rhythm in the third set and the Jackets worked to overcome a 14-10 deficit to tie the game, 15-15. Virginia pulled ahead 20-17, before a 3-0 comeback from Georgia Tech tied it again, 21-21. The Jackets scored the final four points to capture the game 25-21 and claim the sweep.
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“It was good. We kept working hard, this team is really confident right now,” head coach Michelle Collier said. “We know we’ve got a long way to get better and we’re staying driven and focused on what we need to do so it’s exciting to see that and have them live this moment. It’s special for them.
“Our goal has been to get better every year. We’ve still got eight more matches to go and making sure that we finish as strong as we can.”
Quick Hits
-The Jackets have 10 ACC wins for the first time since 2012.
-Gabriela Stavnetchei led the Jackets with 14 kills and added 10 digs for her sixth double-double this season
-Teegan Van Gunst recorded 13 kills, her 17th straight with double-digit kills
-Sydney Wilson and Annika Van Gunst each had eight kills
-Annika Van Gunst added 12 digs, and Sydney Wilson put down five block assists
-Georgia Tech out-blocked the Cavaliers 11 to five, and out-hit them .278 to .131.
Pink Jerseys
The Yellow Jackets are auctioning off their game-worn and team autographed pink jerseys with net proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Fund. The auction ends Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. with bidding starting at $50 and increasing by $10 increments. To bid visit, http://buzz.gt/VB16_PinkAuction
Up Next
The Jackets continue their home stretch with a pair of matches. Tech hosts Virginia Tech on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m., before re-matching with the Pitt Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. Both matches will air on ACC Network Extra.
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.
