SMU defeated Virginia Tech on Nov. 9 with a strong offense that broke through VT’s lineup, continuing the momentum after beating the Virginia Cavaliers on Nov. 7. 

SMU took the first set with a couple kills led by No.1 Malaya Jones and No. 21 Favor Anyanwu; however, not without some fierce competition from VT’s offense, No. 2 Brianna Holladay and No. 31 Peyton Woods, only trailing slightly behind with a total of 11 kills to SMU’s 14 at the end of the set. 

With some long rallies resulting in many dives on both sides. The set ended with a 25-16 score for SMU.

The second set began with SMU securing points while VT struggled with attack errors during the first set. Virginia Tech fell apart during the second set, hitting 7 attack errors vs SMU’s 1. 

A single successful block by VT No. 2 Holladay against SMU’s 4 successful blocks No. 9 Averi Carlson and No.3 Kennedi Rogers. SMU found its footing in serving and hit four aces by No.4 Christa Wilburn vs VT No. 7

VT ended the set in a 12-point deficit, with a total score of 25-13.

In the final set, VT attempted to come back and hit fewer errors, but it was still not enough to deter SMU. Virginia Tech continued to make the same mistakes, leading to a quick downfall. SMU had 4 blocks by Anyanwu and Maggie Croft, while VT had 0 blocks. 

VT had 8 kills hit by No. 24 Reese Hazelton and Woods, who have both had a successful season, respectively. VT’s strong offense was not enough to beat SMU, who ended with 15 kills led by Jones, who hit 17 the entire match.

This win will further SMU’s pending ranking in the ACC playoffs. The Mustangs will play next on Nov. 14 against UC Berkeley at 9 p.m. CT.