The Virginia volleyball team posted a four-set victory over Troy Saturday afternoon at the Crimson-White Tournament in Tuscaloosa, Ala.. But the win came after a five-set defeat against Saint Louis the day before, and the Cavaliers took another loss Saturday night against Alabama.
Virginia (5-3) entered Friday night’s match against Saint Louis (6-5) with two wins and no losses in matches pushed to five sets. But the Billikens stormed back from two sets down to deal the Cavaliers a narrow defeat.
Sophomore outside hitter Alex Thorson piled up 10 kills against a single error for Virginia, while junior defensive specialist Lexi Riccolo paced the Cavaliers with 17 digs. Junior outside hitter Danielle Rygelski’s 17 kills and sophomore outside hitter Nenye Okoro’s 11-kill, 15-dig double-double propelled Saint Louis.
Virginia again jumped out to two-set advantage Saturday against Troy (4-6). The Trojans captured a marathon third set, 30-28, when senior middle hitter Darby Griff swatted a kill, but the Cavaliers took the fourth set for the win.
Outside hitters junior Haley Kole and senior Kayla Sears combined for 24 kills against five errors to power Virginia, while senior setter Lauren Fuller put up 36 assists and 12 digs.
Coach Dennis Hohenshelt’s team then fell to Alabama in four sets. Picked to finish second in the SEC, the Crimson Tide served up nine aces to Virginia’s two. Senior setter Sierra Wilson dished 50 assists to orchestrate the Alabama offense.
Senior middle hitter Natalie Bausback dropped a 14-kill, 12-dig, 11-block triple-double against Alabama, becoming the first Cavalier to record a triple-double since outside hitter Tori Janowski torched Virginia Commonwealth for 22 kills, 17 assists and 10 digs in September 2012. Bausback — whose 11 blocks established a career high — garnered all-tournament recognition after taking Cavalier Classic MVP honors a week ago.
Virginia travels to Washington, D.C. Friday and Saturday for the American Classic. The Cavaliers take on UMBC Friday at 4:30 p.m. before matching up with William & Mary and American Saturday at 1:30 and 7 p.m., respectively.
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