Syracuse (4-0) passed its first real test of the season, beating Auburn (4-1) in a match that lasted all five sets.

The Orange relented its 13-8 lead to Auburn in the first set. Tigers outside hitter Courtney Crable, who had 6 of her team-high 20 kills in the first set, helped Auburn take the set, 25-23.

The second and third sets featured similar narratives. In both sets, Syracuse jumped out to commanding leads, leading both sets by a score of 20-12 at one point. Auburn made quality runs to bring the second set within two points, and the third set to within three points.

The Orange eventually won the second and third sets – 25-21 and 25-22, respectively – to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Two late-set kills by senior outside hitter Nicolette Serratore helped Syracuse hold onto the third set.

Neither team jumped out to a commanding lead in the fourth set. The Orange came back from a 20-15 deficit to pull even at 22 behind a couple of kills by sophomore middle blocker Leah Levert, and a string of attack errors by the Tigers. The Tigers staved off SU to win the fourth set, 25-23, which forced the pivotal fifth set.

After a 6-6 tie early in the fifth set, the Orange won four straight points, taking a 10-6 lead and forcing an Auburn timeout in the process.

Syracuse never looked back and won the fifth set 15-8. The final three points for the team were a kill by senior middle blocker Monika Salkute, a service ace from Nicolette Serratore, and a kill from reigning ACC co-player of the week and senior outside hitter Silvi Uattara.

Serratore had an exceptional game for the Orange. She finished second on the team in both kills, with 13, and digs, with 18.

Senior setter Gosia Wlaszczuk and Uattara continued leading the SU offense like they have all season so far. Wlaszcuk led the team with 32 assists, and Uattara led the team with 20 kills.

This is the first time that Syracuse has started 4-0 since 2010. The Orange will play their next game against Georgia on Sunday in Athens, Georgia.

Published on September 5, 2015 at 12:54 am

Contact Tomer: tdlanger@syr.edu | @tomer_langer