September 14, 2013
Tech blanks Duquesne, 3-0
LaTasha Samson-Akpan named tournament MVP
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Duquesne (4-5) 1916170
Virginia Tech (10-1) 2525253
  • Cassell Coliseum - 624

BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Tech volleyball team continued its tournament win streak, claiming the title at the Hokie Classic with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-17) win Saturday evening over Duquesne at Cassell Coliseum.

“I think we’re playing very smart right now, not making a lot of mistakes,” said Head Coach Chris Riley. “We have a lot of things that we are continuing to work on and want to continue to get better, but right now the team is playing pretty well.”

LaTasha Samson-Akpan and Lindsey Owens each had 11 kills to lead the Hokies (10-1). Samantha Gostling added seven kills for Tech. Jordan Fish posted 31 assists.

On the defensive side, Samson-Akpan recorded seven blocks, including two block solos, while Megan Beckwith tallied 15 digs.

Samson-Akpan was named the MVP of the tournament while Owens and Kathryn Caine joined her on the All-Tournament team.

"I think LaTasha [Samson-Akpan] played fantastic this weekend and she’s been steady for us all season this far," Riley stated. "The team is playing very well together right now, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us this season."

The Hokies and Dukes traded points to open the first set, as the two teams were tied at 10-10. Tech followed with a 6-1 run to go on top 16-11. The Hokies maintained the lead and were up 20-13, but the Dukes went on a run late in the set to cut the deficit to one at 20-19. Owens scored on back-to-back points with a kill followed by an ace to put Tech ahead 22-19. Tech closed out the set, outscoring the Dukes 3-0 to take the 25-19 win.

In the second set, the two teams again kept it close early with the Hokies holding 13-12 lead midway through. Tech was up 14-13 before going on a run to take the 20-14 lead on a kill from Gostling. Duquesne was unable to make a late rally as the Hokies rolled to the 25-16 victory.

Tech got out to a quick lead in the final set, going up 11-5 on a kill from Victoria Hamsher. The Hokies continued their run, extending the lead to nine at 15-6 as Gostling knocked down a kill. Duquesne cut the lead to seven at 24-17, but a kill from Owens secured the point for the Hokies to take the set and the match.

Madelynn Burnham led Duquesne (4-5) with 12 kills. Patti Abshire had 11 digs while Julia McCabe and Nora Young added 10 each for the defensive side.

Joining the three Hokies on the 2013 Hokie Classic All-Tournament team were Arielle Love of Duquesne, Mallory Brickerd from William & Mary and Lipscomb's Jewell Dobson and Molly Spitznagle.

The Hokies will wrap up their non-conference slate this weekend at the Louisville Classic. Tech will face Rice at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 on the opening day in Louisville, Ky.

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

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