Syracuse volleyball takes down Siena, 3-0, in 2017 season opener

In its first game of the season, Syracuse (1-0) beat Siena (0-1), 3-0, Friday at the Women’s Building.

The match marked the first of the Syracuse Tournament, a two-day slate of games featuring the Orange, Siena, Colgate, Grand Canyon, and Niagara.

Kendra Lukacs led the Orange with 11 kills, six of which came in an impressive third set. The sophomore’s 12.5 points paced Syracuse. Defensive specialist Belle Sand had a game-high 15 digs, while junior Annie Bozzo’s 17 assists were a team high.

The Orange dominated the first set, taking a 16-6 lead before winning the stanza, 25-19. Siena raced out to an early 7-3 advantage in the second set before Syracuse responded, closing the set on a 22-9 run. Jalissa Trotter set the tone for the Orange, notching eight assists in the second set alone.

Trotter finished the game with 11 assists, good for second on the team. Siena took a 4-1 lead to begin the third set, but the Saints’ advantage unraveled. Sparked by Amber Witherspoon’s three blocks and Bozzo’s nine assists during the set, Syracuse recovered with another game-changing run. The Orange outscored Siena 24-12 to end the set and finish the 3-0 win.

Next up for Syracuse is Grand Canyon Friday at 6 p.m. at the Women’s Building.