Duke Dispatches Virginia Tech in Straight Sets

Friday, November 11

Blacksburg, Va.

6:15 PM

Duke University

Virginia Tech

Duke Dispatches Virginia Tech in Straight Sets

11/11/2016 9:01:00 PM | Volleyball

By: Duke Sports Information

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Duke extended its win streak to five matches with a straight set at Virginia Tech (3-0: 25-26, 25-17, 25-15) Friday evening in Cassell Coliseum.

Duke (19-6, 13-2 ACC) held its 17th opponent of the season to a hitting percentage under .200, limiting Virginia Tech (9-17, 4-11 ACC) to a .127 clip. The Blue Devils had a noticeable advantage in the service game as Duke totaled four service aces and did not have a reception error in the match, while the Hokies committed 10 service errors.

“Our team did a great job of playing one point at a time and staying aggressive,” said head coach Jolene Nagel. “We wanted to give Virginia Tech something tough to handle whether it was our serve or when we have the chance to attack. We kept our composure on defense so that we could transition successfully. I'm really proud of our focus and determination to execute so efficiently tonight. This was a great team effort.”

Senior middle blocker Jordan Tucker continued her consistent play, leading the Blue Devils with 11 kills on .375 hitting. Four Blue Devils – Leah Meyer (7), Jessi Bartholomew (6), Samantha Amos (6) and Cadie Bates (5) – added at least five kills each in a balanced effort.

Freshman setter Cindy Marina dished out 31 assists, helping the offense hit .290.

Duke outblocked Virginia Tech 10.0-6.0. Amos had a team-high five blocks, followed by Tucker and Meyer with three each. Libero Sasha Karelov and defensive specialist Chloe DiPasquale picked up 11 and 10 digs, respectively, to anchor the back row.

“Jordan [Tucker] continued to do great, Nagel said. “Our team served well. Our serve receive was solid and steady. The block got touches and our defense dug some balls. When we got the ball up to target Cindy [Marina] did a great job mixing up the offense and we minimized our errors.”

Duke won the first handily, wrapping up a 25-16 decision on Tucker's fifth kill of the frame. Tied 6-6, Duke embarked on a 6-1 stretch that gave the Blue Devils a comfortable margin. The Blue Devils continued to add to the lead, ultimately winning by nine.

Duke led wire-to-wire in the second, claiming it 25-17. Bartholomew, Tucker, Amos and Meyer knocked down three kills apiece as Duke hit .344 in the set. The Blue Devils jumped out to a 10-5 margin and never allowed the Hokies to close the margin.

Duke continued to roll in the third, beginning the set with a 14-4 advantage. Virginia Tech fought back to trim the lead, 15-10, before the Blue Devils responded with a 10-2 stretch of their own. Up 20-12, freshman Jamie Stivers notched back-to-back aces before a Hokie service error wrapped up the match.

The Blue Devils head north to Pittsburgh for a 1 p.m., opening serve Sunday, Nov. 13.

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