BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Elon volleyball team (0-2) was not able to get its offense moving in the second day of the Radford/Virginia Tech Invitational as the Hokies (2-0) took a 3-0 (20-25, 17-25, 11-25) win over the Phoenix today, Aug. 29, in Cassell Coliseum.
“Virginia Tech played a great match today both offensively and defensively,” said Elon head coach Mary Tendler. “I was pleased with our passing, but unfortunately it didn’t translate into a good offensive performance. We’re learning a lot about our team in the early going and look to improve against Radford.”
On defense, the Phoenix finished with five total team blocks with four by Catherine Head. Maddie Jaudon finished with 10 digs followed by six from Megan Gravley and Kayla Agae.
Gravley and Kam Terry led the maroon and gold with five kills each, while Ebony Scott tallied four kills.
VT’s Lindsey Owens led all players with 14 kills and also recorded three blocks.
How it happened: The Elon defense came out strong in the first set with three blocks early to help Elon take a 7-4 advantage. With the set tied at 14-all, VT was able to move ahead by three, 17-14. The Phoenix pulled within one, 21-20, but the Hokies finished out the set for a 25-20 win.
With the Phoenix trailing by seven in the second set, 15-8, kills by Head and Agae helped Elon to a 4-1 run to pull within four and force a VT timeout. The Hokies responded and regained its edge for a 25-17 final.
The Hokies took a strong lead early in the third set and Elon was unable to catch up as VT moved on to a 25-11 win for the sweep.
Notes: Elon is now 0-3 all-time against Virginia Tech…The Hokies are the first of two ACC teams the Phoenix faces this season…Jaudon’s start at libero marked the first start of her collegiate career.
Up next: Elon plays its final match of the Radford/Virginia Tech Invite at Radford tonight, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. in Radford, Va.