October 25, 2015
Tech drops four-set heartbreaker at Duke
Lindsey Owens collected her 999th career kill in the match.
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Virginia Tech (14-8) 222225241
Duke (10-10) 252516263
  • Cameron - 887

DURHAM, N.C. - After battling through 26 tie scores and 10 lead changes, the Virginia Tech volleyball team ultimately came up short in a heartbreaking 1-3 loss at Duke on Sunday afternoon. The Hokies dip to 14-8 overall and the Blue Devils improve to 10-10, while both squads sit at an even 5-5 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

The Hokies outshot the Blue Devils .268 to .241 overall, and two of the four total sets. Despite recording more kills, blocks, and digs than Duke, Virginia Tech fell shy on the road.

Lindsey Owens paved the way for the Hokies on both sides of the ball, slugging 19 kills while setting a new career high of 24 digs. The outside hitter now owns 999 kills in her collegiate career. Fellow outside hitters Amanda McKinzie and Katie Krueger added 15 and 13 kills, respectively. Krueger’s 13 marked a career high for the junior. Setters Rhegan Mitchell and Kyra Coundourides assists 28 and 30 Hokie attacks. Ashley Battle blocked six Duke attacks throughout the four sets to lead the squad.

The Blue Devils were led by a balanced attack of Leah Meyer, Emily Skler, and Jordan Tucker who tallied 17, 16, and 14 kills, respectively. Four Blue Devils collected double-figure digs in the contest. Despite Tech’s 78 digs, Duke found the floor to earn the win.

Duke jumped on the board early, taking a six-point lead in the middle of the opening set. Solid serving by Kyra Coundourides brought Tech within a three-point margin. However, the Blue Devils took the set, 22-25.

The two squads went back and forth throughout set two, battling through seven tie scores and five lead changes. Neither team held more than a three-point lead throughout the frame. Despite McKinzie’s six kills, the Blue Devil’s earned the 22-25 win.

The Hokies bounced back in the third set, dominating to a 10-5 lead. Battle and Krueger connected for back-to-back blocks, followed by a Battle-McKinzie block. Battle went on the attack for the kill to force a Duke timeout. Owens closed out the frame with three back-to-back kills, securing the 25-16 win.

Mirroring the second set, the Hokies and Blue Devils fought through 15 tie scores and four lead changes. Hokies started down 3-7 to open the fourth stanza but came back to even up the score at 8-all, following a McKinzie ace. Owens and libero Kenedy McGrath each collected eight digs apiece. The Hokies spread the offense with Krueger and Battle recording four kills each and McKinzie and Owens with three apiece. Despite Tech’s 23-22 lead late in the set, Duke came up with the 24-26 win.

The Hokies return to action on Friday in Cassell Coliseum, facing Miami at 7 p.m.

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

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