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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – After capturing the first set, the Hokies found themselves trailing the University of Virginia Cavaliers, 2-1, before rallying to win the match in five sets (25-19, 14-25, 16-25, 25-20, 15-13). Tonight’s ACC conference opener at the Marriott Cavalier Classic, hosted by Virginia, was Tech’s first victory over the Cavaliers in Charlottesville since Sept. 1, 1992, the only year in which the Hokies reached the postseason. Additionally, the Hokies captured their 600th win in program history and lifted their season record to 9-1 (1-0 ACC), while the Cavaliers, dropping their fifth straight, fell to 5-5 (0-1 ACC).

The first set went back and forth, with 10 ties and four lead changes, and soon was tied 16-16. The Hokies then went on a six-point streak to go up 22-16, and took the set, 25-19.

The Cavaliers stepped up in the second set, quickly jumping on top 11-4 and holding the Hokies to just 14 points, tying the match at one set apiece.

The two teams traded points for the first half of the third set, neither team taking a lead larger than two, as the score sat in a 13-13 draw. Similarly to the Hokies’ rally in the first set, Virginia suddenly went on a tear, winning seven straight points to go ahead, 20-13, and eventually took the set, 25-16, outscoring the Hokies 12-3 in the last 15 plays.

Trailing in the match and facing elimination for the first time since Aug. 28 against No. 19 Tennessee, the Hokies got their act together in the fourth set. The Cavaliers took the first lead in the frame, but the Hokies tied it at eight and quickly went ahead 14-11. Virginia rallied to tie it at 15, thanks to a kill by Jessica O’Shoney, but the Hokies regained their lead, 21-17, and tied the match at two with a 25-20 victory in set four.

Tech, who was 2-0 in tiebreakers heading into tonight, quickly fell behind, 5-3. However, back-to-back kills by senior Felicia Willoughby tied the set at seven. A kill by Tobi Farrar put Virginia back on top, but two more kills from Willoughby gave the Hokies their first lead in the tiebreaking set, and they never lost it. Three kills from Jennifer Wiker put Tech up 14-11, and an attack error by Tobi Farrar completed the marathon match, giving the Hokies a 15-13 win in the final set and their third 3-2 victory of the season.

Redshirt-sophomore Jennifer Wiker led the match with a career-high 21 kills, the most for a Hokie since Felicia Willoughby slammed 21 against Duke on Nov. 13, 2009. Justine Record earned her second double-double of the season, registering 11 kills and 10 digs, while Erin Leaser picked up her third double-double with 44 assists and 14 digs. Wiker and Willoughby, who had 10 kills and three block assists, tied for a team-leading .348 hitting percentage, while Cavalier McKenzie Adams went 14-for-24 for a match-high .417 clip. Victoria Hamsher notched four block assists and a block solo, and Amy Wengrenovich added 17 digs. Morgan O’Neill picked up 10 digs of her own on defense, and Kirsten Higareda notched nine more.

The Hokies return to action tomorrow afternoon, when they take on the Towson Tigers in their final non-conference match of the season. LiveStats will be available on www.hokiesports.com for the match, which is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

For updates on Virginia Tech volleyball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_VBall).