Junior Katie Oakes had a career game this weekend. Twice. Friday night against the North Carolina Tar Heels, Oakes registered a career-high 20 kills. Facing the N.C. State Wolfpack Saturday, Oakes outdid herself, tallying 21 kills for a new career high. Oakes' play led the Cavaliers, still without captain Sarah Kirkwood, to big wins over both North Carolina (3-1; 37-35,30-19,25-30, 30-14) and N.C. State (3-1; 30-22,26-30,30-19,34-32) this weekend.
The Cavaliers (9-3, 2-1 ACC) came out strong against the Wolfpack (2-10, 0-3 ACC), winning the first game decisively 30-22. Oakes slammed seven of Virginia's 20 kills in the game. The second game got off to a rocky start for the Cavaliers as they struggled with N.C. State's uncontrolled style of play.
"I think we were waiting for them to give us the game instead of us going and taking it," senior Emily Perilli said.
With setter Emily Kirkwood battling a chronic injury, Virginia coach Melissa Shelton put in second year setter Marlow Bruneau to start the second match. Bruneau could never get control of the offense as the Wolfpack took advantage of the lineup change. Halfway through the match, Kirkwood returned. Virginia was able to climb back into the game, tightening the score 19-20. A Wolfpack run ended the Cavaliers chances in game two as they lost 26-30.
"We've got to find a way to play our game the whole time no matter what's going on on the other side," Shelton said.
Game three showed the Cavaliers return to form. Virginia jumped out to open up a quick 13-7 lead. The Cavaliers were able to capitalize on multiple N.C. State kill errors. The defense, led by libero Beth Shelton, held the Wolfpack to a .000 hitting percentage.
In game four, the Cavaliers came out strong but were repeatedly challenged by the Wolfpack who refused to go quietly. With 18 ties and seven lead changes, the Cavaliers were forced to play point by point. As the tension built in Memorial Gymnasium, the score was tied 32-32. Virginia seniors Lindsey Osco and Perilli notched kills to secure a win for the Cavaliers.
Friday night featured a very different team for the Cavaliers but with the same result. In North Carolina, Virginia faced a team that they hadn't beaten in their last three matches. Virginia pulled out a win on the heels of an all around strong night. With four players in double figures, the Cavalier offense clicked, hitting .318 for the match. Virginia also tied a school record with 36 block assists. The Cavalier defense, in addition to the block assist record, also tallied 18 blocks and 85 digs.
One thing that shouldn't go unnoticed amid the excitement of the wins, however, is the play of Oakes. After suffering from a hurt ankle, the junior is proving herself healthy every time out. However, she refuses to take all the credit for success.
"I'm the one who gets the stats and it makes me look better, but what really is happening is the back row is supporting me," Oakes said. "Beth Shelton is doing an amazing job getting the ball right to the target and opening up holes for me."
Next up for the Cavaliers is Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers will try to avenge their loss earlier this season. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Memorial Gymnasium.
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