Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's volleyball team dropped a three-set contest to the Utica University Pioneers. Despite stretches of strong play, the Wildcats could not overcome Utica's steady attack, falling by scores of 25–19, 25–22, and 25–18. With the loss, SUNY Poly moves to 6–8 on the season.

The opening frame featured back-and-forth play early, with Abby Newell and Kassity Cruz putting away kills off feeds from Grace Southwick to keep Poly within striking distance. Catherine McCourt added a service ace to swing momentum, while Erica Mumbulo and Daniella Aluisio chipped in with timely points at the net. However, Utica's front line, led by Trinity Bailey and Emylie Stanton, found rhythm late in the set. A late push from Aluisio narrowed the gap, but the Pioneers closed it out 25–19.

Poly responded in the second set with sharper execution. Newell struck early with a kill, and McCourt followed with another ace to put the Wildcats ahead. Aluisio came alive offensively, recording multiple kills to answer Utica rallies. Cruz and Kylee DeCarr each added points to keep the set tight through the midway point. Utica, however, capitalized on late Wildcat errors and closed with a pair of key kills from Stanton and Lauren Jones to edge out a 25–22 win.

The third set again saw Poly push early, as Cruz landed consecutive kills and Aluisio converted off a set from Southwick. But Utica quickly countered, using strong serving runs from Alicia Ancewicz and steady net play by Bailey to build a cushion. Aluisio and Cruz continued to fight, combining for several late kills, and Mumbulo added another point to keep the Wildcats within reach. Ultimately, Utica pulled away down the stretch to take the frame 25–18 and secure the sweep.

UP NEXT:

The Wildcats return home on Friday for a matchup with the Hartwick College Hawks at 7:00 P.M.