Cavalier Classic
Score: Virginia 3, VCU 1 (25-20, 25-13, 16-25, 25-23)
Location: Charlottesville, Va. (Aquatics and Fitness Center)
Records: VCU 1-2, Virginia 4-0
 
The short story: Sophomore Lara Del Core led VCU with 13 kills, but ultimately a slow start doomed the Rams Thursday in Charlottesville, Va.
 
OPENING VOLLEY

• Del Core's 13 kills led all players Thursday. She added six digs and a block to the VCU effort
• Senior Julia Rienks kicked in 12 kills and 10 digs for the Black and Gold, while senior Kalina Pylinska provided a boost off the bench with seven kills and two blocks, while hitting .263
• Sophomore Letizia Galli gave the Cavaliers trouble in the middle, as she rang up six blocks and spiked five kills on 12 attempts for the Rams
• VCU sophomore setter Cansin Sendir also handed out 36 assists and booked 12 digs
• Vivian Miller and Kadynce Boothe sparked UVA with eight kills a piece 

THE DIFFERENCE

• The Cavaliers owned a 12-8 advantage in blocks and capitalized on nine service aces
• UVA also outhit the Rams .180-.168
• The first set was a back-and-forth affair until a 5-0 Virginia burst, punctuated by a Boothe ace, opened up a 21-16 UVA lead on the way to a 25-20 win
• VCU hit -.154 in the second set as UVA charged to a 15-6 lead and never looked back

NEXT UP
VCU will conclude play in this weekend's Cavalier Classic when it takes on Appalachian State at 2 p.m. in Charlottesville.