The NC State women’s volleyball team dominated all three sets against North Florida to extend their record to 3-2 on the year. The Pack never trailed in a set and looked stellar in the win.
The Wolfpack shook off a rather uncomfy win against Liberty in the home opener, doing almost everything right against North Florida.
The ladies stuffed the stat sheet, beating their opponent in attacks, 74-69 and kills, 42-15. Junior outside hitter Ava Brizard performed especially well, totaling nine kills on 18 attacks. Brizard also racked up three digs and was efficient on her hits.
Senior opposite hitter Amanda Rice continued her electric season with 9 kills on 12 attacks. She was a force to reckon with on the defensive side too, totaling two blocks in this game.
Graduate defensive specialist Skye Stokes and setter Naomi Cabello held down the Wolfpack defense against North Florida. Stokes dished out 11 digs and was a much-needed leader on the defensive floor. Cabello was like a brick wall, totaling four blocks on the day, and denying any offensive momentum from North Florida.
The Wolfpack did have some line errors that need to be cleaned up before conference play begins. The ladies had 11 service errors in today’s game, something the ladies have struggled with recently.
Head Coach Luka Slabe said the errors will be cleaned up in their practices, and that having fewer errors is their main focus. The team knows that bad serves can hold them back even when everything is going right, and thus their importance.
Despite the errors, it seems like the work in practice paid off, as the Pack was significantly better on their serves against the Ospreys. The team had 12 aces on the day, Stokes with three of them.
The Pack defense was the star today, holding North Florida to only 14 points as their best score in a set. The Wolfpack racked up the digs today, beating its opponent 35 to 19 and locking down the North Florida attacks.
As long as the intensity and grit from the team keep up, they have a chance to really show out this season.
The team looked miles better than they did in their last outing, and hopefully, that trend continues with their matchup against South Florida tomorrow Sept. 14, at 2 p.m.
