Benney Koch, Staff Writer
VCU faced the University of Virginia in the second match of the VCU invitational on Sept. 5.
The Rams lost 3-0 but broke their 17 year old attendance record as 1,677 fans came out to support VCU volleyball.
From the start of the first set, UVA controlled the game. While VCU struggled early to find its offense, UVA hit .500 according to statbroadcast, which allowed them to pull away and win the opening set 25-13.
Early in the second set, VCU made adjustments and began finding some success against the Cavaliers, taking an 11-9 lead. However, UVA responded with three straight kills from second-year outside hitter Reagan Ennist, second-year middle blocker Caroline Lang and fourth-year outside hitter Lauryn Bowie that would keep VCU from holding onto their lead.
UVA would not trail again in the set and ended up winning 25-17, putting themselves within one set of the match victory.
After the break, the Rams made adjustments and throughout the third set they were more offensively imposing and in turn able to stay within a few points of the Cavaliers.
Rams first-year outside hitter Molly McCall had seven kills on 15 swings in the set according to statbroadcast, and was a big part of the Rams trimming the Virginia lead to 24-22. However, VCU could not complete the comeback and the Cavaliers closed out the set 25-22 to complete the sweep.
While the Rams could not get the win, some individual performances shined from the game. Third-year middle blocker Letizia Galli was super efficient with seven kills hitting .500 on the night according to statbroadcast.
Third-year middle setter Cansin Sendir led the team with 19 assists while third-year libero Kayla Foley led the team with eight digs, according to statbroadcast.
With the loss to UVA, VCU’s record on the season falls to 1-3.
VCU volleyball continues to build their new identity and looks ahead to continue to gain experience and grow as a team throughout the remainder of the season.
On Sept. 10 VCU will travel to the West Virginia Invitational to take on West Virginia University at 5 p.m.