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Syracuse (3-0, Atlantic Coast Conference) finished the Salt City Classic undefeated, defeating Canisius (2-2, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) in straight sets after defeating New Jersey Institute of Technology and Lafayette on Friday.

In the first set, Canisius emerged strong, settling into a 6-4 lead. The Orange leveled the set at nine and went on a commanding 13-6 run, highlighted by Greta Schlichter’s miraculous save and resulting kill, to take the game to 22-15. The Orange went on to win the set 25-20, weathering an early storm.

“We talk about these things all the time,” SU head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam said. “We create scenarios where they have to get challenged mentally, not just physically and have to overcome. I think it’s a skill set that you have to apply in a game situation as well.”

The Orange tied their biggest margin of victory (13) all weekend in the second set, winning 25-12. SU registered 18 kills in the second set, five more than in the first and third sets. Seven Syracuse players recorded a kill in the middle set, a welcomed sight for Ganesharatnam.

“We have a lot of options now on the pin. Obviously, Skylar (George) and Ava (Palm) did a really good job, but then Klara (Zarnovicka), who’s coming off some serious injuries,” Ganesharatnam said. “Sara (Wasiakowska) on the right side gives us a lot of good swings and good blocking presence and we have some kids that are hungry like Sydnie Waller and Fiona Rigby.”

Freshman Emma Ortiz also recorded 13 digs, four more than in the match against Lafayette.

“I am really happy with how I was able to play defensively, but I always think that I can get better every single day and that’s what I want to strive to do,” Ortiz said.

Syracuse and Canisius were evenly matched in the third set, with both teams trading leads. Tied at 19, George scored a service ace, and the Orange propelled into a 6-1 run to win the third set 25-20.

George (eight), Palm (11) and Sydney Moore (10) recorded the most kills against Canisius, with middle blocker Moore having a 60% success rate.

Veronica Sierzant totaled 32 assists after posting a double-double in assists and digs against NJIT, while Anastasiia Nikolnikova knocked up five service aces.

Palm, George and Moore all made the Salt City Classic All-Tournament Team, and Palm won Tournament MVP.

The Orange travel to Columbia next week to take on Columbia, Fordham and Manhattan in the Columbia Tournament.

Published on September 1, 2024 at 12:00 am

Contact Quinn: qdpostma@syr.edu