VCU wins tenth straight
By: Parker Shumaker
The VCU volleyball team came into Saturday night’s matchup against Northwestern on a hot streak, as they were winners of nine straight matches. However, so was Northwestern. This didn’t seem to phase VCU at all though. They came out the gate strong and dominated the match from start to finish.
In the first set VCU got out early and stayed ahead most of the set, but as they were one point away from a set victory Northwestern made a run to pull within two points. This is when VCU called one of a couple of very well timed timeouts. After the timeout VCU made quick work and ended the set 25-22! The second set followed suit as VCU got out early again forcing Northwestern to play with their backs against the wall. However, they did come to tie this match 15-15 and forced VCU to use a timeout. This proved to be another well timeout as VCU went back ahead. Then came another late run by Northwestern, as they pulled within one. VCU used their second timeout wisely and they came out to make quick work again of the Wildcats and win the second set 25-23. The third match started different as VCU had to use their first timeout early as they were down 10-7. However, this started an onslaught as they not only pulled back ahead, but took a good lead. VCU dominated the last set and won it by a score of 25-17. For VCU the big standouts in tonight’s game were Vicky Giommarini and Alica Kandler. Both were offensive forces for the Rams tonight as Giommarini led them with 12 kills and Kandler came in right behind her with eight. Rebekah Strange also came in with an impressive and game high 16 digs, as she was big on the defensive side of the game for VCU.
After sweeping Northwestern and winning the VCU invite, the Rams have extended their winning streak to 10 games. This is the longest winning streak since 2009 and they have improved to 13-2, their best record since 2012. Their next matchup will be on Friday, September 22, against Rhode Island. This will be the start of in conference play. For Northwestern, this loss knocks them down to 10-2 and snaps their nine game winning streak. Their next matchup will also be in conference play as they face Purdue on September 20.
