Volleyball: Yellow Jackets Fly Past Hokies, 3-0

Source ramblinwreck.com

Greetings, sports enthusiasts! Gear up for an electrifying recap of the thrilling volleyball showdown between the Yellow Jackets and the Hokies. This highly anticipated match unfolded with relentless intensity, showcasing the exceptional athleticism and strategic brilliance of both teams. Buckle up and join us as we delve into the captivating details of this unforgettable encounter, where the Yellow Jackets soared to victory, claiming a decisive 3-0 triumph over the valiant Hokies.

A Season to Remember: Georgia Tech Volleyball\’s Dominance in the Regular Season

Georgia Tech Volleyball\’s 2023 season was one for the books, marked by an extraordinary regular season performance that set the stage for their postseason success. The Yellow Jackets soared through the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with an impressive 20-2 record, establishing themselves as a formidable force within the conference. Their remarkable campaign earned them a Top 10 ranking nationally, a testament to their exceptional skill and team chemistry.

Not only did Georgia Tech dominate in the ACC, but they also maintained an unblemished home record throughout the regular season. Their O\’Keefe Gymnasium became a fortress for the Yellow Jackets, as they protected their home court with unwavering determination. The team\’s exceptional defense and relentless offense proved too much for opposing teams to overcome.

Led by a talented roster of players, Georgia Tech\’s success was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of both the players and coaching staff. Their unwavering focus and unwavering commitment to excellence propelled them to new heights, setting the stage for an unforgettable postseason journey.

Postseason Success: A Sweet Sixteen Appearance

In the 2021 NCAA Volleyball Tournament, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets navigated their way to the Sweet Sixteen with resounding victories in the first two rounds of the tournament. Their journey came to a narrow end against the eventual champions, the Wisconsin Badgers, in the regional semifinals.

Victory Over Illinois State: Dominance and Determination

The Yellow Jackets faced the Illinois State Redbirds in the first round of the tournament. Georgia Tech asserted their authority from the outset, overpowering Illinois State in three decisive sets. Senior OH Julia Bergmann led the charge with a formidable 13 kills, while RS Ivana Vladisavljevic contributed a significant 10 kills. The team\’s collective defense held Illinois State to a meager .086 hitting percentage, stifling their offense and securing a convincing victory.

Narrow Defeat to Wisconsin: A Competitive Battle

In the Sweet Sixteen clash against the Wisconsin Badgers, the Yellow Jackets faced a formidable opponent. The Badgers, the eventual tournament champions, provided a stern test for Georgia Tech. Despite a valiant effort, the Yellow Jackets succumbed to Wisconsin in a hard-fought four-set match. Senior OH Lorelle Smith displayed her prowess, registering an impressive 17 kills, while MB Kayla Kaiser added 9 kills and 7 blocks. However, Wisconsin\’s offensive prowess proved too challenging to overcome, as they claimed the victory.

Georgia Tech\’s Sweet Sixteen appearance marked a significant accomplishment for the program. The team\’s ability to navigate the first two rounds of the tournament showcased their talent and determination. While their journey ended in the Sweet Sixteen, the experience gained and the momentum generated will serve as valuable building blocks for future success.

Individual Accolades

All-American Honors

Georgia Tech volleyball\’s Brooke Andersen received First Team All-American honors in 2022, a testament to her exceptional performance on the court. The senior middle blocker led the NCAA in blocks per set (1.85) and was second in hitting percentage (.445). She also ranked among the nation\’s top players in kills per set (3.64) and points per set (4.73). Andersen\’s all-around brilliance made her one of the most dominant players in the country.

In addition to Andersen\’s First Team All-American recognition, several other Yellow Jackets earned All-ACC honors. Senior outside hitter Julia Bergmann was named to the All-ACC First Team, while junior setter Ella Jones and sophomore outside hitter Mariana Brambilla earned All-ACC Second Team accolades. Senior libero Connor Neville and sophomore middle blocker Kayla O\’Brien received All-ACC Honorable Mention selections.

These All-American and All-ACC honors highlight the individual excellence of Georgia Tech\’s volleyball team. The Yellow Jackets\’ success in 2022 was a collective effort, but the outstanding performances of these players were instrumental in the team\’s achievements.

Looking Ahead

Returning Starters

Coming off a 17-10 season, Georgia Tech volleyball is poised for another successful year in 2023. The Yellow Jackets boast a wealth of experience with multiple returning starters, including senior outside hitter Julia Anderson and senior libero Kenna Caldwell.

Anderson, a two-time All-ACC selection, led the Yellow Jackets with 3.24 kills per set and a .305 hitting percentage last season. She is a dynamic attacker with a powerful serve and a knack for making big plays. Caldwell, a two-time All-ACC Defensive Team member, is one of the top liberos in the conference. She is a tenacious defender with excellent ball control and a strong serve.

In addition to Anderson and Caldwell, Georgia Tech will also benefit from the return of junior setter Kaylee Vann and junior outside hitter Mariana Brambilla. Vann is a skilled playmaker who can distribute the ball effectively to all of her hitters. Brambilla is a versatile attacker who can score from both the front and back rows.

With a strong core of returning starters, Georgia Tech is poised to make a run in the ACC and compete for a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Yellow Jackets have a challenging schedule ahead, but they have the talent and experience to succeed.

Head Coach Michelle Collier

Michelle Collier took over the reigns of the Georgia Tech volleyball program in 2007, marking the beginning of an unprecedented era in the program\’s history. During her tenure as head coach, Collier has led the Yellow Jackets to remarkable heights, establishing herself as one of the most successful coaches in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Accomplishments

Under Collier\’s guidance, Georgia Tech has consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the ACC, making 13 NCAA Tournament appearances in her 15 seasons at the helm. This includes an impressive streak of nine consecutive appearances from 2009 to 2017. In addition, the Yellow Jackets have claimed three ACC Tournament titles (2012, 2013, 2016) and a pair of ACC Coastal Division championships (2009, 2016) during Collier\’s tenure.

Future

Collier\’s success at Georgia Tech has not only transformed the program but has also solidified her reputation as one of the top collegiate volleyball coaches in the nation. With her unwavering dedication to excellence and her passion for the sport, Collier will undoubtedly continue to lead the Yellow Jackets to greater heights in the years to come. Her commitment to player development, team culture, and competitive success bodes well for the future of Georgia Tech volleyball.