After a nine-month hiatus, Virginia volleyball returned to the court for their season opener against American. Energy was high as team warm-ups commenced and fans filed into John Paul Jones arena for what turned out to be a hard day of volleyball. The Cavaliers (0-1, 0-0 ACC) lost to the Eagles (2-1, 0-0 PL) in four sets, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22 and 25-21.
Out of the gate, American dominated the first set, consistently getting shots past Virginia. The Eagles’ 9-5 lead prompted Coach Shannon Wells to call a timeout in the hopes that it could stop the trajectory of what was happening — but before anyone knew it, the Cavaliers were down 13-7.
However, something changed for Virginia as the Cavaliers slowly started to chip away at their deficit. As the end of the set approached, the Cavaliers were not far behind American, third-year outside hitter Reese Wuebker and fourth-year outside hitter Lauryn Bowie leading the charge. Still, the Cavaliers had allowed the Eagles to build too great an advantage, eventually losing the set 25-21.
The second set felt like Groundhog day, the set starting and ending the same way. Quickly, American got the lead forcing Virginia to play catch up. Though Virginia tried to swing the momentum in its favor, controversial calls prevented it from happening. The Cavaliers had even dropped the set in similar fashion, as an ace from the Eagles helped American once again win 25-21.
The two back-to-back losses definitely dampened the mood in the arena, the staff resorting to playing highlights from football’s win the night prior to get some cheers.
Now down 2-0, it was time to switch sides for the third set and for the Cavaliers to avoid being shut out in straight sets — and the left side of the court did just that. The set started off strong, as second-year middle blocker Caroline Lang notched a block and a kill. For the first time all match, Virginia had a notable lead against American, up 7-3. However, when a challenge went the Eagles’ way the Cavaliers’ demeanor completely changed.
American was able to work its way back, hanging in with Virginia for the majority of the set. Even when the Cavaliers were able to create some space, the Eagles worked their way back, going from 22-16 to 22-21. The last few points were intense but well-earned, Virginia pulling out the win to send the match to a fourth set, 25-22.
“I think that we definitely leaned into our nerves in the first two sets,” Wuebker said. “In the huddle in between the second and third set, we said like we've been working so hard in the off season that we just need to show who we are.”
American came out hot, clearly upset about blowing their comeback in the set prior, but the Cavaliers matched their tempo, keeping the set close. Little to no mistakes were made on either side, as the point flew back and forth until the very end. At 20-20, the Eagles broke away, placing the ball in just the right spots. The game ended on a reception error by first-year libero Ruby McDermott, finalizing the set 25-21.
“I think we talked about how losing sucks — there's no question about that,” Coach Wells said. “So I think we're just trying to handle that, but it's the first match of the year.”
Dropping the first game of the season is never the best way to start, but it is also important to note that it was the Eagles’ third game of the season, giving them a bit more experience on the court — something that was very clear. Throughout the entirety of the match, American looked more polished than Virginia. Their swings felt more intentional, their communication with each other was more clear and their energy was consistent. They had already worked out their kinks, something the Cavaliers obviously did not have the chance to do.
Virginia returns to action for the second of three matches in John Paul Jones Arena Tuesday against Liberty. The match is set for 6 p.m. and will be streamed on the ACC Network.
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