This weekend, the NC State volleyball team took on two ACC foes from the sunshine state. The team faced Miami Friday night and No. 16 Florida State University early Sunday afternoon. Historically, the Pack has struggled severely in both of these matchups. The combined records of State versus these teams was a whopping 6-64.
On Friday night, the Pack was looking to break a 10-match losing streak against the Hurricanes. Both teams were missing key pieces as the setters from both teams were out. In a position so pivotal to success, the readiness of the next woman up was essential. In came Becky Porter with 49 assists. She masterfully stirred the drink at the offensive end and helped the Wolfpack break the streak in four sets.
Coach Linda Hampton Keith was delighted with Porter’s play.
“I was really happy with how our team rallied around Becky, and she did a great job of leading us on the court with that,” Porter said. “We need everyone to be their best all the time for the team because you never know. We needed her to step up, and she did that in a big way.”
With new faces having to take on an increased role, the incumbent leaders had to step up and perform. Senior libero Rachel Eppley did just that when she matched her season high for digs with 23. Junior outside hitter, Julia Brown led the team with 18 kills. Junior middle blocker Kaitlyn Kearney tallied a team high for blocks with six. The trio of experienced players alleviated much of the pressure Porter would’ve faced otherwise.
State opened up the game by winning the first set in a closely contested match, 25-22. The second set was so tight it required extra points. State found a way to hang on and win 28-26. After the intermission, Miami came roaring back, winning the third set in dominant fashion, 25-13. The Wolfpack returned the favor when it beat the Canes 25-14.
The Florida State game had a similar historical context, as the Pack hasn’t beaten the Seminoles since 1999. Despite a valiant late surge by the Pack, that trend continued Sunday. State looked a tad bit sluggish as it sleepwalked through the first two sets. The team showed a pulse in the third set and staved off losing in three-straight sets.
The fourth set began with the Noles having their way with the Pack. FSU jumped out to an 18-10 lead. The Pack’s chances of staging a comeback were looking slim to none until an FSU player collided with sophomore middle blocker Teni Sopitan under the net. A verbal exchange ensued, and the Wolfpack was rewarded a point.
Sopitan scored the next kill, and the players seemingly received the second wind they needed to get back into the game. The first tie was at 22 all, and the Pack even had two opportunities for set points. However, they could not score in these crucial moments and the Seminoles took the game, continuing the streak.
Nevertheless, the fight displayed by State in game two and the victory against a conference opponent who has been to nine consecutive NCAA tournaments are great reasons for optimism about this team.
