The stands were packed with fans wearing mostly orange for Syracuse’s second game of the season, and second game of the Syracuse Tournament. After winning the first game against Siena earlier today, Syracuse lost to Grand Canyon University in four sets. It was the first time in school history for the two teams to face each other.
While GCU swept Syracuse in the first set 25 to 16, the Orange came back strong winning the second set 29-27. Although the momentum was on the Syracuse side of the net after the second set, GCU set the tone for the next two sets dominating the court.
Santita Ebangwese, a preseason ALL-ACC selection led the Orange with 13 kills alongside freshman newcomer, Ella Saada. GCU came out with 9 more kills than Syracuse for the night.
Coaches Thoughts
"We have to learn to do what we know we are capable of during practice time and scrimmages,” Syracuse head coach Leonid Yelin said. “When we play is when it counts. They need to learn what they have to do when it counts in the game.”
Four Year Veteran
Syracuse has more underclassman than upperclassman, but it includes five starters. Although the Orange has a young team, several have stepped up and become leaders.
"A lot of people coming off the bench come into the court and they’re making a huge impact,” four year member of the Orange Belle Sand said. A lot of us are improving but we need to keep improving. Like coach said, we have to treat practices like games, and that will only help us on the court”
The Orange have a chance to recover with two more games left in the Syracuse Tournament on Aug. 26. The Orange will face Niagara at 10 a.m. and Colgate at 8 p.m.
