SU Volleyball Goes 2-1 During First Tournament

By Jessica Eley

Outside hitter Silvi Uattara goes up for the kill.

Syracuse University's Volleyball team opened the season by going 2-1 this weekend to take second place in the Big Orange Tournament. SU swept Delaware State 3-0 on Saturday before losing to Temple 3-2. On Sunday the Orange topped Niagara 3-1. Temple swept its matches to win the tournament..

SU Coach Leonid Yelin said every team the Orange played this weekend was good competition; the players had to be disciplined in every aspect of the game.

"For those teams we played, with all respect to them, Syracuse is a bigger name, we had a huge target," Yelin said. "Every point, every set they win...it's like winning a national championship...So I'm very pleased in how we went through this mental tiredness."

Outside hitters Monika Salkute and Silvi Uattara were named to the all-tournament team.  Uattara collected 43 kills and 24 digs while Salkute gathered 32 kills and 28 digs.

The players said that after this weekend, they now know what they need to work on the most during the week to get better. "Our offense was pretty good as soon as our pass was working, so I think right now if we bring the pass, offense will go right away," junior setter, Gosia Wlaszczuk said. "But at the same time, our block would do better if we would serve stronger...if we focus on it, i think we will get better."

Wlaszczuk racked up 44 assists in her first weekend as starting setter. She made the transition from right side hitter to main setter during pre-season practice in the beginning of August.

"I have so much to work on...practice is easier than the game," Wlaszczuk said. "Every ball is different and I have to learn what do in specific situations and I don't have this experience, but I feel I will get there and my teammates are helping me out and coaches with great advice."

Wlaszczuk's teammates have noticed her improvements. "Gosia improved a lot since pre-season," Salkute said. "We started with basic things, now we can go different combinations...and I hope she feels confident in us to hit the ball."

Along with Wlaszczuk's debut as setter, freshman middle blocker, Leah Levert, made her first collegiate start this weekend against Deleware State. She tallied 12 blocks and four kills during the tournament. Levert has big shoes to fill. She is replacing Salkute's role as starting middle blocker. Salkute was moved to the right side hitter position upon Wlaszczuk's move to setter.

"If you are a starter, then we're going to treat you like everyone else," Yelin said. He said he knows people are new to different positions, but he is confident in their abilities to learn quickly and help out the team.

The Orange returns to action next weekend at the Chicago State tournament, playing host Chicago State, DePaul and UI-Chicago.