Reigning A-10 Champions trounce Tribe in exhibition

VCU’s reigning A-10 Women’s Volleyball Champions cruised to a straight-set victory on their Aug. 14 season opening scrimmage against the College of William & Mary, defeating the Tribe 27-25 in the first set and 25-13 in the second.

The first set proved a nail biter, but senior middle-blocker Tori Baldwin clinched it with a smashing hit.

Upon finishing her junior year, Baldwin was named to the First Team All-Atlantic 10 Conference and A-10 All Tournament teams. She was also selected for the AVCA All-East Region team. Baldwin also set a program record for hitting percentage in a season at 0.360. She ranked fifth nationally in blocks per set at 1.56 and moved into second place in VCU’s record book for career blocks at 396.

The Black and Gold will rely on veteran leadership this season from Baldwin and fellow senior, opposite hitter Julia Adler, as they return with seven juniors and two sophomores, and add four freshmen.

During the second set of the W&M match, the Rams dominated, sealing the set with a smash from sophomore outside hitter Kaila Robinson.

All eyes will be on the Rams this upcoming season, after racking up 30 victories and claiming the A-10 title in 2017. Last season, the team began the year with a 3-2 record, but left their early losses in the rear view mirror, going on to win 27 matches in a row, the NCAA’s longest streak last season.

VCU also looks to build upon its NCAA Tournament appearance from last season. The Rams lost a tough match against the University of Pittsburgh in the opening round, three sets to one. Behind leadership from the upperclassmen, the Rams will hope to make a deeper run in the 2018 tournament.

VCU opens the season Friday, Aug. 24, against North Carolina State University in the NC State Invitational and will close out the invitational against Washington State University on Saturday, Aug. 25.

Rodney Robinson Contributing Writer