Virginia opened its spring slate Friday in a last-minute match against Old Dominion. The Cavaliers (2-8, 0-8 ACC) won all three sets by margins of 11, six and four, respectively, and handed the Monarchs (4-4, 2-2 Conference USA) their fourth loss of the season.
Set 1 — Virginia 25, Old Dominion 14
The Cavaliers erupted on the first set, taking an early 13-4 lead — already halfway to winning. During this run, Virginia would force Old Dominion to make eight errors.
The Monarchs and the Cavaliers alternated points until the score was 18-7 in favor of Virginia. At this point, Old Dominion would take a timeout.
Coming off this, the Monarchs attempted to rally, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. The match would end with a solid hit-set-spike from the Cavaliers that glided into the back corner of the court, winning Virginia its first set of the abbreviated spring season.
Set 2 — Virginia 25, Old Dominion 19
After opening up with a 3-0 run, Old Dominion would quickly come to its senses and take a short-lived 6-4 lead. The Cavaliers would go on another run, this time going 6-1, which was propelled by a kill from freshman middle blocker Czhen Beneby and a service ace from senior outside hitter Sarah Billiard.
Up 10-7, Virginia attempted to keep its lead and win the second set of the day. Eventually, up 19-12, the Cavaliers would let their guard down a bit and led Old Dominion come within two.
To finish the set, Virginia would go on an explosive 6-2 run and win the set 25-19.
Set 3 — Virginia 25, Old Dominion 22
In the closest set of the day, the Monarchs and the Cavaliers would trade points nearly the entire time.
Leading 12-8, the Cavaliers attempted to secure the sweep — which proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Old Dominion would force five separate ties at 16-16, 17-17, 18-18, 19-19 and 20-20 and then take the lead 21-20.
Determination would inspire Virginia to take a 5-2 run and finish the set up by three.
“We found ourselves down and we came back and executed at the end of the game,” Coach Aaron Smith said. “We want to get back in the gym, get better and get ready for ACC play.”
In the next match March 6, the Cavaliers will play the Pittsburgh Panthers in their first ACC competition since the fall.
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