August 28, 2015
Hokies Sweep Buccaneers in Season Opener
Amanda McKinzie tallied 14 kills in the Hokies' 3-0 victory.
123F
East Tennessee State (0-1) 1919190
Virginia Tech (1-0) 2525253
  • Cassell Coliseum - 247

BLACKSBURG – In three-set fashion, the Virginia Tech Hokies opened the 2015 season with a 25-19 sweep across the board over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers on Friday afternoon. Starting off on the right foot, the Hokies earn a 1-0 record while ETSU sits at 0-1, following the premier match of the Radford/Virginia Tech Invite.

Amanda McKinzie and Lindsey Owens paved the way for the Hokies’ offense with McKinzie slugging 14 kills and Owens notching six. The two combined to total seven service aces against the Bucs. Three hitters recorded five apiece to add to Tech’s total of 37 kills. Kenedy McGrath started the season strong, collecting 15 digs for the Hokies.

ETSU’s preseason all-conference middle blocker Khadijiah Wiley led the Bucs with 10 kills. Rylee Milhorn and Ashleigh Shain tallied eight and seven digs, respectively.

The Hokies dominated from the get-go with McKinzie’s six kills in the first set, attacking at a .444 clip. Freshman Jaila Tolbert went 2-for-2 in her first collegiate set. Starting off strong, Cara Cunningham recorded a .667 attack percentage to complete the Hokies first set win of the season, 25-19.

Owens paced Tech’s second frame with 4 kills and a .571 attacking percentage. Four Hokies notched two kills to earn the team a .370 clip and the 25-19 decision.

Solid Tech defense held back ETSU in the final stanza despite the team’s mid-set rally to decrease the margin to one. The Hokies prevailed and walked away with the 25-19 victory.

Tech returns to Cassell Coliseum this evening at 7 p.m. to take on LIU Brooklyn and close out day one of the Radford/Virginia Tech Invitational.

For updates on Virginia Tech volleyball, follow the Hokies on Twitter and on Instagram @vthokievolleyball Instagram

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