Morton sets all-time program blocks record in win
Syracuse held a six-point lead midway through the first set Tuesday night. Cornell’s Logan Keala saw a chance to give her team a kill, but like so many times before, Syracuse senior middle blocker Sarah Morton was there for the solo block to give a point to the Orange. Morton had been in this situation 193 times before.
But this particular block made history.
Morton set the all-time program record for solo blocks in Syracuse’s 3-0 win over Colgate Tuesday night at Manley Field House. Morton, the nation’s leading blocker, surpassed the record established by Jessica Paarlberg in 1991.
Syracuse (14-5, 3-1 Big East) extended its winning streak to three and is off to its best start since 2004.
Morton played a strong game, posting 11 kills on 19 attacks (.368 hitting percentage). When asked about the record that she broke, Morton blushed, not wanting to harp on her accomplishments. It seemed as if securing her spot in SU volleyball history was the last thing on Morton’s mind following the game.
‘Yeah, I knew about the record last game, but I didn’t know any other time,’ Morton said. ‘It’s a good record, but the season is still going on.’
Morton’s ability to dominate was evident Tuesday. Her height and sheer strength were too much for the Raiders to handle. She had five kills in the first set alone, and then sat out portions of the second and third sets with the Orange in command the whole way. Syracuse cruised in the first set, 25-14, and was never in any real trouble against a less talented Colgate squad.
Syracuse led big in both the second and third sets, but Colgate rallied in both games, taking advantage of a lineup filled with players who haven’t seen a ton of playing time this season. Junior defensive specialist Sarah Hayes played in all three sets, and junior outside hitter Mindy Stanislovaitis saw some action, delivering four kills and 12 attacks.
Like so many times before, Morton put out the fire and gave her team some much-needed energy. In the second set, with Colgate trailing, 19-10, the Raiders scored seven of the next nine points and appeared to be gaining some momentum. With SU up, 21-17, Morton went with a softer touch and laid the ball in between two defenders, giving the Orange a 22-17 lead. Syracuse would win the set, 25-18.
Though Colgate is not the caliber of the upper-echelon teams of the Big East, Morton believes that these wins are critical in the development of the team’s overall mentality.
‘These wins let us grow more confident as a team,’ Morton said. ‘Beating teams like Colgate and Cornell gives us confidence, but we have to bring it up another level for Big East play.’
Syracuse hits the road Saturday to take on St. John’s.
Morton wasn’t the only star on this night: Senior outside hitter Kacie MacTavish was solid throughout the match. Morton’s fellow co-captain had nine kills in 22 attack attempts (.318 hitting percentage) with a match-high 16 digs. Her ability to overpower the Raiders, and play stellar defense at the same time kept, Colgate on its heels all night.
With Colgate again threatening to stage a late comeback in the third set, MacTavish smoked the ball past a couple of diving Raiders, extending SU’s lead to eight. Syracuse would win the set by a score of 25-18.
Though MacTavish was feeling great about her play and the team’s win, it was Morton’s record-setting night that had her glowing after the game concluded.
‘We’ve been roommates since sophomore year,’ MacTavish said. ‘It’s really exciting for me to see her succeed and know that our team is getting recognition and she’s getting recognition. She’s a great player, and I’ve seen her grow as a player. I’m really proud of her.’
This night belonged to Morton.
‘Sarah is the core of our team,’ assistant coach Carol LaMarche said. ‘She’s the team captain. She gives a consistent level all the time in practice and in games. She’s a great role model for the girls in how they prepare and she’s a great student athlete. It’s just awesome to see her get recognized like that.
