Early in Friday’s second set, North Carolina tied it 4-4 as an apparent miscommunication between Syracuse’s Polina Shemanova and Ella Saada resulted in the ball falling to the ground between them. SU head coach Leonid Yelin put a hand to his face and turned away in disgust. Simple errors such as those played a role in Syracuse’s 3-2 defeat to Florida State last Sunday where the Orange had blown a 2-0 set lead.

However, despite Syracuse’s struggles that allowed UNC  (5-13, 1-8 Atlantic Coast) to play them close in each set, the Orange (11-6, 7-2) were able to bounce back from Sunday’s loss and win in straight sets, 3-0, on Friday night in the Women’s Building.

“After our loss last weekend we kind of realized that more energy, more effort is something that we can put into the team” senior Jalissa Trotter said. “…We realized they were hustling so we had to go above their hustle. We had to match it and then move forward. I think it’s really important that we push forward from here on out so we don’t feel that same loss again.”

After Shemanova dominated in kills with 30 on Sunday, Syracuse found more variety in their offensive attack Friday. The Orange had five players record six or more kills, led by Shemanova with 16, Saada with eight and Trotter, Amber Witherspoon and Santita Ebangwese all with six.

Witherspoon also collected six total blocks on the night, helping Syracuse out block North Carolina, 9-5. Syracuse also out hit UNC, .365 to .155.

Despite those statistical gaps, UNC was able to remain very competitive throughout. The Tar Heels came closest to winning a set in the first, down only 23-22 to SU. Despite the late push, Syracuse was able to finish strong, winning 25-23 on a Yuliia Yastrub kill down the line.

“In any game, especially volleyball, it can go either way at any time,” Yelin said. “We were able to step up and it was a couple of crucial situations where we were digging and blocking and had good swings.”

UNC remained close in the second set, too, until Syracuse rode a 6-1 run to make it 24-16. The Orange had little trouble winning the set from there, ultimately taking it 25-18.

In the third set, however, SU couldn’t quite pull away and was up only 23-22 once again. But a Witherspoon kill followed by an attacking error by UNC resulted in the game’s end. It was a much more satisfying ending for the Orange than that of Sunday’s game.

“I think the best mentality to have is just next game,” Witherspoon said. “We learn from our mistakes and then we focus on the next game. We do have a bigger goal after the season is over. As long as we learn from those types of games, we watch film, we practice like we want to win the next game, we’re going to be okay with our goal. I think it’s all just learning.”

Part of the reason Yelin said his team was able to bounce back so well was because the players may not have been as intimidated by UNC’s record. The hardest part of the preparation for this weekend was recovering mentally from the Florida State loss, Yelin said.

Yelin knew it was one the Orange wouldn’t be able to get back. But he also knew his team couldn’t let that loss keep them down.

“I always think if you play hard, something sooner or later good things will happen,” Yelin said. “That’s all we’re asking them. I said no guarantees. We’re gonna play so hard, I can’t guarantee we win. But in the long run, I can guarantee it’s gonna be a good season.”

The win marked Yelin’s 100th as head coach at Syracuse.

“Today?” Yelin asked upon being told by a reporter. He said if he was told 30 years ago he would be jumping up and down. But now, he has other goals in mind.

“I would trade all my wins for just one season to take this school in the (postseason),” Yelin said.

Published on October 19, 2018 at 10:32 pm

Contact Eric: estorms@syr.edu