Benney Koch, Staff Writer
VCU volleyball completed their preseason with a hard fought 4-0 sweep over Christopher Newport University on Sunday.
The first set started hot for VCU but became a back and forth battle of runs. With the first set tied at 18-18, the Rams took a timeout to make adjustments and came back looking to regain control.
CNU struggled to keep up at the net as VCU continuously forced errors. Second-year middle blocker Sarah Dibbs-Frantz was especially effective, making an impact throughout the first set.
VCU held on to win the opening set 25-22 after allowing CNU to close the gap late.
The Rams controlled the second set, leading 10-5 at the technical timeout.
CNU led in both kills and digs, but VCU had a large advantage in blocks and hit percentage. Their ability to force errors with their aggressiveness above the net allowed them to pull away and win the second set 25-16.
In the third set both teams traded the lead, but VCU refused to let CNU pull away. The Captains led 15-14 at the technical timeout before the Rams answered with a strong run.
VCU took a 19-15 lead and forced a CNU timeout. From that point, VCU took control, allowing one more point and winning the set 25-16.
Even though VCU had already secured the win, they played a fourth set for the sake of the exhibition.
The fourth set was similar to the first and third as both teams stayed within a point of each other for much of it. VCU created some separation at the technical timeout with a 15-11 lead.
Fourth-year middle blocker Nina Boledovicova and third-year middle blocker Letizia Galli were a major part of VCU’s success at the net. The pair helped the Rams stay in control during some of the closest stretches of the set.
VCU finished off the set 25-22 to complete the 4-0 exhibition win.
Second-year outside hitter Lannah Price had an impact across the court, finishing with eight kills, four digs and three blocks.
“We really know all we have is each other,” Price said. “If everyone trusts in each other to do their own job it lets you play more freely and you are just worried about doing your job for your teammates, and it instills a lot of confidence in them.”
The Rams are coming off a 16-13 season where they reached the Atlantic 10 Championship match and were a close set away from winning it all. Five seniors graduated from that team and this year brings in six newcomers, including five freshmen.
Head coach Tim Doyle said the team is still working to establish its identity and improve its consistency before the regular season.
“There’s room for improvement in our consistency of match readiness and being adaptable,” Doyle said. “It’s one day at a time and take it from there.”
VCU will open the regular season Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. against Florida Gulf Coast and will host their regular-season home opener Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. against East Tennessee State.