Cavaliers Win Second-Straight Holiday Inn Jefferson Cup Title, Sweep Campbell

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia volleyball team won its second-consecutive Holiday Inn Jefferson Cup under head coach Lee Maes on Saturday afternoon, sweeping Campbell, 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-17). The Cavaliers also defeated NC Central and VCU to clench the title.

“We wanted to come out today and positively respond after a thrilling win over VCU last night,” Maes said. “It was important for us to match Campbell’s energy and intensity and that wasn’t evident in set one. We responded really well in set two and three and improved as the match went on. Right now, we have to make a more concerted effort in getting more defensive stops.

“We as a staff are constantly evaluating each player, and the players that can perform consistently well will give us a better sense of who we can count on. We like where we are with our progress, but we know that we still have a lot of work to do. That’s the exciting part about the journey.”

Fourth-year Lauren Dickson led the Cavaliers with 15 kills and seven digs on the match, earning tournament MVP honors. Third-year AJ Cushman and first-year Rachel Gray joined Dickson on the all-tournament team. Cushman led the defense with seven digs, while Gray dished out 39 assists.

For Campbell, Ashley Weers, Allyson Goldbach, and Emily Werner tallied nine kills each, while Lauren Garza dug 15 attacks. Page Tortello dished out 19 assists for the Camels.

In a heated opening set, the Cavaliers overcame a late three-point deficit to win the frame in extra points. Virginia’s rally was sparked by a kill from Dickson before a series of cards were issued to the Campbell team. The Cavaliers then used a block from Dickson and third-year Sydney Hill to solidify the comeback, finishing off the Camels, 26-24.

The second frame opened much like the first concluded. Being rewarded for a Campbell red card, Virginia took a 1-0 lead before the first serve. The Cavaliers used a four-point run to break open a 6-6 tie score and pulled away before eventually winning the set, 25-18.

Virginia opened the third frame with a pair of kills by third-year Kendahl Voelker and never looked back. The Camels attempted a comeback, but the Cavaliers held off Campbell, winning the set, 25-17.

Virginia will be back in action on Sept., 10, when the Cavaliers take on Nebraska in the Ameritas Players Challenge. Opening serve is slated for 8 p.m. ET.

Holiday Inn Jefferson Cup All-Tournament Team
Emily Werner – Campbell
Shantel Moore – NC Central
Lenka Melicharkova – VCU
Kelsie Clegg – VCU
Rache Gray – Virginia
AJ Cushman – Virginia
Tournament MVP – Lauren Dickson – Virginia