Silvi Uattara is starting to adjust.

Coming to Syracuse from Russia, Uattara endured a huge culture shock. But after working with her teammates, Uattara said she’s become more comfortable on the court.

“The first game, I was very nervous,” Uattara said. “After some time, I know the girls better.”

Uattara shined in Syracuse’s (5-5) five-set upset over No. 18 Iowa State last weekend. The freshman outside hitter posted a game-high 25 kills in the back-and-forth victory. Uattara has led the Orange in kills in three of the team’s last four games.

Uattara attended Sports School 65, a high school in which the athletic programs are funded by the state. The schools offer a similar experience to American high schools, but they put more focus on athletics, SU head coach Leonid Yelin said.

At Syracuse, Uattara had to overcome a language barrier and cultural differences in addition to meshing with her teammates on the court.

“She came to a different world, a different game, a different school,” Yelin said. “She has begun to adjust well in a short time.”

Those adjustments were an integral part of the team’s success this past weekend. The Orange had lost five straight games before winning two straight, including the win over the ranked Cyclones.

Yelin praised the quality of his team’s character for its performance.

He said the players began playing better as a team because they became more comfortable with one another. And Uattara’s role in the system was a large part of the Orange’s success.

SU outside hitter Nicolette Serratore, a sophomore, has aided Uattara’s transition to SU.

Serratore is a team leader who has helped Uattara learn her position. She knows the team and the game, and her communication with the freshman has made a difference through 10 games this year.

“We’re all just trying to do what we can to help out,” Serratore said. “Everything’s been going really smoothly, really well.”

The ease of the transition helped Uattara to her dominating weekend. Yelin said she’ll have to adjust even more if she wants to continue her hot streak.

But, he doesn’t think that will be an issue with her teammates’ support on the floor.

“They’re all great people,” Yelin said. “They can be better players, but I know they’re great people.”

Published on September 11, 2012 at 12:46 am

Contact Jacob: jspramuk@syr.edu