”This weekend was very competitive and very fun to play against teams that we need to put our best against to keep up with,” senior middle blocker Margaret Salata said.

In State’s first match against the Yellow Jackets, the Pack fell behind two consecutive sets but mounted a comeback starting with a 25-23 win in the third set. The team followed it with another win in its fourth set with a 25-22 victory.

After State committed three straight errors and a kill from Georgia Tech, the team battled back and stayed close with the Jackets until a kill from junior setter Megan Cyr sealed the deal, giving the Wolfpack a 20-18 lead in its final set.

“That was probably the most hostile environment we’ll play in this year,” coach Bryan Bunn said. “The stands were packed. They also had their band so it was very loud, but they showed a lot of composure to get that win.”

Salata lead the team with 18 kills on the match. Sophomore Brie Merriwether followed it up with 13 kills.

In its second match of the weekend, State won its first set against the Clemson Tigers 25-22. The Pack dropped its second set 20-25, but came back in its third set 25-23. State dropped its final two sets 20-25 and 17-19.

“We were up 2-1, we had our chances in the fourth set and we gave up a 20-18 lead,” Bunn said. “We didn’t capitalize on that. We got to the fifth set and we were down 13-10. We had a couple of chances at match point but we didn’t take advantage of it. With 15 or so points it all comes down to one or two plays. We made the plays against Georgia Tech but we couldn’t make the plays against Clemson, but we were right in that match.”

Salata also had the team high of 17 kills in the second match. Junior Megan Cyr led the team defensively with 22 digs.

“It was a really tough loss but I think it was good for the team to experience leaving everything out on the floor,” Salata said.

The Pack matched last seasons win total of 14 games with its win over Georgia Tech. It’s also the most the program has had since 1999.

“I think it’s a really good thing. It’s kind of fun that we already matched how many wins we had as a total last week,” Salata said. “I think it’s a really good indicator of the pace we’re going to be at this season. If we can continue on this path, I think it will be great for our program.”

Bunn believes these recent close calls have brought the competitive nature of the Pack to the forefront. He also thinks they are on the way toward more wins for the program.

“We’re much more competitive,” Bunn said. “Aside from the Maryland match, we’ve played really well. We had our chances against Clemson. We could have came out of the weekend with two in a row. Those games were that close.”