The NC State women’s volleyball team won its final tournament of the season in style this weekend, sweeping all three of its opponents, 3-0. With wins over Coastal Carolina, William & Mary and Howard, the Wolfpack (11-1) extended its winning streak to 11 games.
“It’s always better to win than to lose,” head coach Bryan Bunn said.
Senior outside hitter Rachel Buckley was named MVP of the tournament, her second MVP honor of the season. Buckley notched 33 kills in nine sets over the weekend while committing only five attack errors.
“I just decided to play loose,” Buckley said. “Last weekend I struggled, and this weekend I knew I had to come back. I just trusted my training, and I think that led to my success.”
In the first game of the tournament, State took on the eventual second place finishers, Coastal Carolina (10-3). The Pack recorded a season-best .392 kill percentage during the match, including .444 in the second set.
“We played very well offensively tonight,” Bunn said. “We moved the ball around well.”
Five State players recorded at least seven kills against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, including 13 from Buckley. The senior said that she was pleased with the way her team shared the ball on Friday, crediting the team’s tough defense.
“Offensively and defensively, I think we’re strong,” Buckley said. “The offense can’t happen without the defense. Offensively, we’ve been taking care of the ball, and everyone knew when to go up for the kill. If we keep playing like this, we’ll be good.”
The Pack’s offensive onslaught came despite a strong Coastal blocking core, which averages 2.4 blocks per set. The Chants boast two middle blockers standing at 6’5”. Sophomore setter Maggie Speaks said the solid passing game made for easier adjustments.
“The passes were really consistent,” Speaks said. “It’s all about me seeing the blockers and going from there.”
Speaks played a full match after sitting or splitting time with junior setter Tanna Aljoe the past two games. Speaks dished out 38 assists in just three sets, along with six kills and no attack errors.
“She does a good job of distributing the ball,” Bunn said. “Offensively, she’s a threat at the net because she’s a good size setter, so teams have to be aware that she’s in the front row.”
State continued its high level of play against William & Mary in the team’s first Saturday contest. The Pack’s defense held the Tribe (4-9) to a .101 kill percentage in the match.
Freshman middle blocker Kaitlyn Kearney paced the Pack during the contest with 10 kills. Kearney played with great efficiency, hitting over .300 in all three games over the weekend, earning the freshman a spot on the all-tournament roster.
Redshirt sophomore middle blocker Morgan Cormier had a strong showing against the Tribe, recording eight kills and four digs. Cormier also led the team with three service aces.
Riding the momentum from the first two victories, State finished the tournament with a win over Howard. After losing a tightly contested first set, 25-21, the Bison (7-7) were silenced in the final two frames.
After sitting out the match against the Tribe, Speaks recorded her fourth double-double against Howard with 36 assists and 10 digs.
Senior libero Alston Kearns led the team with 14 digs Saturday night. Recording 37 assists in nine sets during the tournament, Kearns was appointed to the all-tournament team for the second-straight tournament.
The Pack will compete in its first ACC game of the season on Friday when Syracuse (6-4) travels to Raleigh. Buckley said the squad’s 11-game streak will give them an edge in the match.
“Great doesn’t describe it,” Buckley said. “It’s definitely the confidence boost we need.”
