The Virginia volleyball team hits the road this weekend hoping to find some late-game consistency against N.C. State and North Carolina.
The Cavaliers (9-10, 3-6 ACC) seemingly regressed during recent matches against Duke and Wake Forest. Virginia was swept by the Blue Devils Friday, partly because of weak serving, an area in which the Cavaliers were previously strong.\nSunday, Virginia lost a close match against Wake Forest 3-1 with set scores 25-20, 23-25, 22-25, 23-25. Both teams fought neck and neck the whole game before the Cavaliers faltered at the end.
"I think right now what's lacking is our finish," sophomore middle hitter Jess O'Shoney said. "We're really, really close, and it's kind of like this hump that we have to get over."
Virginia thought it had already overcome this "hump" Oct. 3 when it defeated Clemson at Memorial Gymnasium in five sets. Coach Lee Maes' squad is young, however, and might still be adjusting to the collegiate level.
"After we get a lead in the game, we just kind of freak out and make a lot of stupid, silly plays and let it slip away," O'Shoney said. "So we just kind of have to deal with that better and learn to calm ourselves down."
In addition to developing consistency, Virginia's potential success will hinge on whether it can create a balanced offensive attack. The goal, Maes said, is to put forth a more efficient offense that will be more difficult to contain.
With junior outside hitter Simone Asque, O'Shoney and freshman outside hitter McKenzie Adams, the Cavaliers should be able to meet Maes' expectations. Asque leads the ACC in kills while O'Shoney ranks second in hitting percentage.
Interestingly, Maes noted that the squad may do better this weekend on the road.
"We feel like sometimes playing on the road for us right now with this young group tends to lend towards less distractions," Maes said.
With fewer external factors to worry about, Virginia will be able to focus on North Carolina's tough defense.
The Tar Heels (16-6, 7-2 ACC) lead the conference in digs per set. Junior libero Kaylie Gibson tallies 5.36 digs per set compared to Virginia's senior defensive specialist A.J. Cushman who averages 4.97 digs per set.
Offensively, the Tar Heels rank second in the conference with assists and kills. Regaining the serve, therefore, will be key for Virginia.
Saturday's match against N.C. State (12-9, 2-7 ACC) may present an easier task for Virginia, which has claimed 17 of its last 18 matches against the Wolfpack. Still, Virginia must improve its execution if it plans to prevail in Raleigh.
"We know we want it - it's just all about going on the court and proving it," Adams said.
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