Syracuse volleyball’s Laurio and Stamey combine for 32 kills in Duke matchup
Syracuse volleyball’s Marie Laurio and Kiernan Stamey delivered a combined 32 kills in a hard-fought match at Duke, highlighting the Orange’s progress and the spirit of Central New York athletics.
Marie Laurio and Kiernan Stamey led the Syracuse volleyball offense on Sunday, combining for 32 kills as the Orange battled Duke in a three-set match that tested the team’s resolve, according to the Daily Orange.
This story came from public records we pulled ourselves
Get the next one, plus overnight incidents, in your inbox at 6 AM. Free, no spam.
Laurio notched a career-high 18 kills and hit.447, even as she played through a recurring injury. Stamey added 14 kills, making it the first time in ACC play this season that both players reached double-digit kills in the same match, the Daily Orange reports.
The match took place at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium, a tough road environment for any visiting team. Syracuse (6-15, 1-11 ACC) faced a Blue Devils squad (16-6, 8-4 ACC) that has been strong at home all season, according to the Daily Orange.
By The Numbers
- 32 kills: Combined total by Laurio and Stamey against Duke, per the Daily Orange.
- 18 kills: Career-high for Laurio in Sunday’s match, according to the Daily Orange.
- .283: Syracuse’s team hitting percentage in the match, per the Daily Orange.
- 12 attack errors: Syracuse’s total, which impacted the outcome, according to the Daily Orange.
- 6-15: Syracuse’s overall record after the Duke match, per the Daily Orange.
- 1-11: Syracuse’s ACC record following Sunday’s contest, according to the Daily Orange.
- 3 top-five opponents: Faced by Syracuse in the first two weeks of ACC play (Louisville, SMU, Pittsburgh), per the Daily Orange.
- First ACC win in over a year: Achieved by Syracuse earlier this season against Virginia, according to the Daily Orange.
Why this matters for Central New York
Laurio and Stamey’s performances matter to fans across Syracuse and nearby towns like DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes. Their effort on the court reflects the grit and progress that define Central New York sports. With a roster featuring just one 2025 returner, head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam has focused on development and building chemistry, a process that fits the community’s blue-collar roots and college-town energy, as reported by the Daily Orange.
Ganesharatnam’s approach has been to emphasize fundamentals and teamwork, especially as the Orange navigate a tough Atlantic Coast Conference schedule. Early matchups against nationally ranked Louisville, SMU, and Pittsburgh tested the team’s resolve. Syracuse’s first ACC win in over a year came against Virginia, and the Orange also pushed Virginia Tech to five sets earlier this season, the Daily Orange reports.
Laurio’s 18 kills against Duke set a new personal best, and Stamey’s steady offensive presence has given the Orange a reliable one-two punch. Their efforts stand out during a fall sports season that’s packed with action across Central New York, from high school football out in Caz to soccer tournaments over near Manlius Center.
Fans from neighborhoods like Tipp Hill and Eastwood have seen the Orange volleyball team grow, even as the squad faces adversity. The team’s progress, especially from Laurio and Stamey, gives locals a reason to keep showing up at the JMA Wireless Dome and supporting Syracuse athletics.
Game details and local context
Sunday’s match at Duke started with the Blue Devils taking the first two points, but Syracuse answered with a 9-3 run. The Orange led 15-13 at the first media break, taking advantage of Duke’s service errors and picking up a pair of service aces, according to the Daily Orange.
Laurio’s discipline on offense stood out. She followed the scouting report and took what Duke’s defense gave her. Head coach Ganesharatnam praised her ability to stay composed and avoid forcing plays, the Daily Orange reports.
The first set was tight, with both teams trading points. Syracuse pushed Duke to extra points before dropping the set on an attack error. The Orange finished the match with 12 attack errors, which turned winnable sets into losses, according to the Daily Orange.
The second set played out much like the first. Syracuse jumped out to a 5-3 lead, but Duke responded with an unorthodox strategy, playing without a setter and relying on outside hitter Avery Hamlin. That move sparked a four-point run for Duke. Syracuse fought back and tied the set at 20-20, but couldn’t regain control, the Daily Orange reports.
Stamey built on her eight-kill first set with five more in the second. Her consistency gave Syracuse another offensive option opposite Laurio. The duo forced Duke’s defense to adjust, which kept the Blue Devils on their toes, according to the Daily Orange.
The third set followed a similar script. Syracuse took an early lead, but Duke closed out the match. Even in defeat, the Orange showed competitive spirit and offensive progress.
Laurio’s performance was especially impressive given her injury. She managed to stay aggressive at the net, finding ways to score even when Duke’s blockers keyed in on her. Stamey’s ability to step up in key moments gave Syracuse a fighting chance in each set.
The Orange’s.283 team hitting percentage against Duke was one of their better marks in ACC play this season, according to the Daily Orange. That number reflects the offensive strides the team has made since the start of conference play, when Syracuse faced three top-five opponents in Louisville, SMU, and Pittsburgh.
Earlier this season, Syracuse snapped a long ACC losing streak with a win over Virginia. That victory, along with the five-set battle against Virginia Tech, showed that the Orange can compete with conference rivals. The team’s 6-15 overall record and 1-11 ACC mark don’t tell the whole story of a group that’s learning to play together and push stronger opponents.
Ganesharatnam’s focus on development has meant giving younger players more court time. With only one returner expected back for 2025, the coach has used this season to build experience and confidence. That approach has started to pay off, as seen in the improved offensive numbers and tighter sets against ACC teams, the Daily Orange reports.
Celebrating CNY’s athletic spirit
Syracuse’s volleyball journey this fall is a reminder of the community’s commitment to growth and perseverance. Home matches at the JMA Wireless Dome draw fans from all over, Tipp Hill, Eastwood, and even folks coming in from Liverpool or Fayetteville. The Orange continue to inspire local pride, especially as Laurio and Stamey lead the way on the court.
As the fall sports calendar rolls on, the Orange’s progress gives fans plenty to cheer for. The team’s improvement, especially in tough matchups like the one at Duke, shows that Syracuse volleyball is moving in the right direction. The energy in the Dome on game days reflects the passion for sports that runs through Central New York, from the youth leagues up to the college level.
For those looking to stay connected with more community events and local sports stories, CNY Signal offers ongoing coverage of the people and teams that make Central New York a great place to live.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on Syracuse volleyball and other local sports, visit the Daily Orange and follow CNY Signal’s community events page for more stories from across Central New York.
📷 Shutterstock (licensed) , Shutterstock Standard License
Sources
- Daily Orange, Syracuse volleyball swept by Duke despite strong offensive showing
