North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State
11-5,2-3ACC
Syracuse
5-9,0-5ACC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | 21 | 25 | 14 | 12 | 1 |
| NC State | 25 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Francom and Kowren Shine as Pack Finds its Way Back into the Win Column
10/9/2026 10:41:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
RALEIGH, N.C. – Sophomore Talia Francom and freshman Makenna Kowren paced the NC State volleyball team in its 3-1 win over Syracuse Friday evening in Reynolds Coliseum.
Four players recorded double-digit kills for NC State, marking the team's first such match since facing Old Dominion in 2025: Francom (14), Rebecca Ring (14), Clara Vondran (12), Kowren (11).
Set-By-Set Summary
One: After falling behind early, NC State rallied back behind a balanced attack led by Rebecca Ring to claim the opening set, 25-21. The Wolfpack hit .238 and capitalized on key service aces to maintain control and close out the frame.
Two: Syracuse jumped out to an eight-point lead mid-set, forcing NC State into an uphill battle despite solid hitting efforts from Talia Francom and Makenna Kowren. Although the Wolfpack staged a late comeback run, Syracuse held on to even the match by taking the set, 25-22.
Three: NC State dominated the third set, hitting .312 while holding Syracuse to a negative hitting efficiency (-.111). Sparked by relentless attacks from Talia Francom and aggressive serving, the Wolfpack comfortably cruised to a 25-14 victory.
Four: The Wolfpack opened the fourth set on a 4-0 run and never looked back, hitting .361 with 16 kills to overpower Syracuse. Strong net play and continuous pressure sealed the 25-12 win and secured the 3-1 match triumph.
Match Notes
- Makenna Kowren earned her first career start against the Orange.
- The match marked the second time this season Talia Francom hit .500 in a match (minimum 10 attempts).
- Clara Vondran and Eva Long both recorded double-doubles in the win. Vondran had 12 kills, 13 digs and Long finished with 39 assists, 13 digs.
- Libero Zuzia Maciejewicz tied a career high with three service aces and the match marked the third this season she finished leading the Pack in the category.
- Under head coach Megan Wargo-Kearney, the Pack is 2-0 against the Orange.
- The match marked the sixth this season that the Wolfpack won in four or more sets.
- The win marked the 842nd in program history, 224th in ACC action, 26th under MWK, 17th over the Orange in program history, 11th of the season, seventh win at home in 2026 and second conference win of the season.
Stat Leaders
Kills: Talia Francom (14), Rebecca Ring (14)
Assists: Eva Long (39)
Blocks: Talia Francom (7.0)
Digs: Zuzia Maciejewicz (18)
Aces: Zuzia Maciejewicz (3)
Next Up
The Pack returns to Reynolds Coliseum on Sunday at 1pm as it hosts Boston College. The match will be streamed on ACCNX.
