Virginia Tech Edges Notre Dame in Five Sets
Hazelton posted 17 kills and 14 digs as the Hokies outlasted the Fighting Irish 3-2 at Cassell Coliseum.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Volleyball
Virginia Tech defeated Notre Dame 3-2 on Friday night at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, winning the fifth set 15-12. The Hokies improved to 5-8 in conference play and 8-14 overall.
Why it matters
The win gives Virginia Tech a narrow conference victory as it works through a mid-season stretch in the ACC standings. The result keeps the Hokies in the mix for conference positioning heading into a home match against a top-ranked opponent.
Camilla Brandalise recorded a season-best 49 assists and Destiny Walker added 13 kills and 12 digs in the five-set win. Virginia Tech also finished with six service aces, though the extraction does not compare these totals to earlier matches this season.
The players
Reese Hazelton
Virginia Tech outside hitter who led the Hokies with 17 kills and 14 digs in the match.
Camilla Brandalise
Virginia Tech setter who recorded a season-best 49 assists against Notre Dame.
The details
Virginia Tech won the first set 25-23 and the third set 25-19, while Notre Dame took the second set 25-22 and the fourth set 25-16. The Hokies used a 7-2 run to close out the first set and a 5-0 run to build a 10-6 lead in the third.
Timeline
Friday, Nov. 6: Virginia Tech defeated Notre Dame 3-2.
Sunday, Nov. 8: Virginia Tech hosts No. 3 Louisville at 1 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The victory lifts Virginia Tech to 5-8 in ACC play, keeping the Hokies in contention for a position in the conference table. The Hokies' next test comes Sunday against No. 3 Louisville, a ranked opponent that will test their current form.
Fans tracking Hazelton and Brandalise will want to note the match totals, since both players drove the Hokies' offense in the five-set win. The Sunday home match against Louisville gives the team its next chance to build on the result.
The takeaway
The win shows Virginia Tech can close out a close match after dropping two sets, a useful signal as conference play tightens. Readers following the team should watch the Louisville match on Sunday.
What happens next
Virginia Tech hosts No. 3 Louisville at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8.
Further reading
For more on the program, see Volleyball coverage from Blacksburg.
