Volleyball Earns Seventh Sweep in Straight-Set Win Over Virginia

The Seminoles both outhit their opponent and used more total blocks to keep Virginia from taking a set. The Cavaliers kept both of the final sets close and even held an advantage over FSU at times, but reducing errors and staying strong on defense helped the Seminoles’ offense finish out sets.

FSU now has seven wins this season, all of which have come in straight sets. The Seminoles have hit above .300 in all of their wins so far.

Florida State now heads to Pittsburgh to take on the No. 8 Panthers on Sunday (9/30). Pitt is still undefeated this season after sweeping Miami on Friday night, moving to a program record 14-0 start. This will be the first time in program history the Seminoles will face a ranked Panthers team. The match is set for 1:00 pm at the Fitzgerald Field House, and will stream live on ACC Network Extra.

Set 1 – FSU 25, UVA 19

The first set started off close with five tied scores, but FSU was able to pull into the lead with a 6-1 run after the 7-all mark. Redshirt senior Ashley Murray led both teams with four kills in the set, while sophomore Taryn Knuth picked up both a solo block and an assisted block.

The Cavs earned more total blocks than the Seminoles, but plays at the right time from the Seminoles and a tough defensive effort held Virginia to just .054 hitting in the set.

Set 2 – FSU 25, UVA 23

The Seminoles started the set strong, cutting down on errors and picking up more total blocks in the set than the opponent. While FSU appeared to dominate in the beginning of the set, Virginia proved to be tough competition, using a stronger offensive effort to keep the score close.

Just as it looked like Florida State would run away with the set, Virginia went on a 5-0 run to close FSU’s lead to 19-18, and then tied it up at 20-20 with another service error and an ace. FSU pulled into the lead again, but Virginia tied it up at 23-all, where Florida State finished it off with a kill from Caffrey.

Set 3 – FSU 25, UVA 21

A scrappy Virginia defense kept the ball in play to give the Cavaliers more chances to attack, giving them an early lead in the set. While the Seminoles were able to tie it up at 6-all and 7-all, Virginia once again took a lead that it held throughout the first half of the set.

Florida State’s offense came together to keep Virginia down and regain the lead. While UVA held the Seminoles at set point for three points, a kill from Adrian Ell off of the Cavaliers’ block finished off the sweep.

Match Notes

• FSU earned its 11^th consecutive win over Virginia on Friday night, and 40^th win overall. It marked the tenth time the Seminoles have swept the Cavaliers under head coach Chris Poole.
• All of Florida State’s seven wins this season have come in straight sets.
• Brianne Burkert earned at least 20 assists for the ninth time this season. With her 22 assists on Friday night, she moves to 2,601 career assists, which ranks sixth in FSU’s rally scoring era.
• Payton Caffrey led the team in both kills and total attacks for the ninth time this season.

Florida State at No. 8 Pitt
Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 | 1:00 pm
ACC Network Extra | Live Stats | Notes

Scouting the Panthers

• Pitt is ranked in the AVCA Top-25 this season for the first time in 26 years, opening the season at No. 20 and making its way up to the top 10. It marks the fourth time in program history the school earned a spot in the rankings, and their 14-0 start is a program record.
• Pitt leads the ACC in assists per set (13.96), hitting percentage (.311), and kills per set (14.65). They are also one of only three undefeated teams in the nation along with BYU and Illinois
• Sophomore outside hitter Kayla Lund leads the conference in service aces with 18. Junior middle blocker Layne Van Buskirk’s .406 hitting percentage ranks third in the ACC and 12^th

FSU vs. UP

• Pitt leads the series between the two teams 6-5, with both teams’ ACC record tied at 3-3 since Pitt joined the conference in 2013.
• The Panthers have won the last two matches in the series, and this is the first time FSU will face a ranked Pitt team.
• Pitt is the fifth ranked opponent the Seminoles will see this season, and the second-highest ranked of those teams. FSU holds a 4-12 set record against teams ranked in the AVCA Top-25 this season.

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