After two losses in Florida last weekend, the Virginia volleyball team returns to Memorial Gymnasium in search of its first conference win.
Fortunately for the Cavaliers, Georgia Tech and Clemson are also coming off winless weekends, as both fell to Wake Forest and Duke. The Yellow Jackets are also seeking their first ACC victory.
"Everyone's really upset starting 0-3, so this weekend, it'll be big for us," sophomore setter Beth Wildermuth said. "[Both teams lost last weekend], so they're going to be fighting just as hard."
Although the Cavaliers (6-7, 0-3 ACC) have not defeated either squad in two years, they will focus more on factors they can control.
"We're more concerned about team right now," coach Lee Maes said. "We're trying to find consistency in the lineup, we're trying to find predictably in who we can count on on a daily basis, and we're trying to stay healthy."
Friday night's opponent, Georgia Tech (7-7, 0-3 ACC), struggles on defense, owning the highest opponent hitting percentage in the conference. The Yellow Jackets also rank last in digs.
They do boast the 2009 Freshman of the Year in sophomore right side hitter Monique Mead, however, who leads the ACC with 4.4 kills per set. At 5-foot-10, the offensive threat will pose a great matchup for Virginia junior outside hitter and fellow All-ACC selection Simone Asque, who averages 4.12 kills per set. Asque may find the upper hand while serving, as she is second in the league in service aces per set with 0.44.
Another tough matchup will come between Virginia sophomore middle hitter Jess O'Shoney and Georgia Tech's own middle hitter, junior Asia Stawicka. O'Shoney barely leads Stawicka in both hitting percentage and blocks: .353 to .352 and 1.27 to 1.25, respectively. The outcome of this matchup could help determine the overall result of the match.
Sunday afternoon, the Cavaliers will take on Clemson (10-4, 1-2 ACC), whose only conference win came against Georgia Tech.
The Tigers rank fourth in the nation and first in the ACC with 3.08 blocks per set. Virginia, meanwhile, ranks second in the conference with 2.57 per set.
During their loss at Duke last Saturday, the Tigers compiled 21 blocks, with 15 coming from sophomore middle hitter Alexa Rand, two shy of the school record.
"It's a collaboration of both offense and defense," freshman outside hitter McKenzie Adams said. "Our passing needs to be picked up so we need to understand that if our defense isn't there our offense needs to pick it up."
The Cavaliers will also be looking to do better in key, close matches after losing hard-fought battles to Virginia Tech and Miami.
"I definitely think that we have the fight and the heart to win the big matches," Wildermuth said.
First serve is slated for 7 p.m. Friday against the Yellow Jackets.
Read More
Seven Cavaliers, one recruit selected in 2025 MLB Draft
By Emory Huffman | 3 days agoThe draft process went swimmingly for Virginia.
From debilitating illness to Grand Slam main draw: Chris Rodesch’s story
By Margaret Piatos | 4 days agoChris Rodesch's torrid run has been an inspiring summer story.
Virginia reloads with a new leader, an emphasis on fundamentals and … bowling?
By Xander Tilock | July 10, 2025The new leader of Virginia men's basketball, and some players, offered an inside look at offseason plans.
