Alfred, N.Y. — The SUNY Poly women's volleyball team was unable to find a consistent rhythm on Saturday afternoon, dropping a straight-set decision to Alfred University by scores of 25–13, 25–15, and 25–16. Alfred's balanced attack and timely serving put steady pressure on the Wildcats, while SUNY Poly had pockets of strong play that weren't enough to change the match trajectory. The loss moves SUNY Poly to 6–12 (0–5 Empire 8) on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

Alfred struck first and never relented in the opening set. The hosts got a fast start behind a mix of crisp setting and aggressive hitting, forcing SUNY Poly into several errors. Strong kills from Avery Droszd and Abby Newell helped keep the Wildcats in the set, but Alfred's serving produced multiple aces that helped extend the lead, and a steady front line closed out the frame as Alfred took the first set, 25–13.

SUNY Poly battled early in the second set thanks to strong play from Kassity Cruz, but Alfred's depth and pressure from the service line allowed the hosts to rebuild separation. Alfred converted on a string of kills in the middle of the set and finished with strong net play down the stretch to claim set two, 25–15.

The third set followed a similar pattern as SUNY Poly showed fight with a handful of good defensive possessions and a few offensive flashes, but Alfred's balanced offense and disciplined serving continued to create problems for the Wildcats' transition game. Strong play from Daniella Aluisio and Kassity Cruz helped keep the Wildcats hopes alive, but Alfred would go on to close the match on a late run to complete the sweep, 25–16.

UP NEXT: 

The Wildcats are at home on October 17th at 7:00 P.M. for a battle with the SUNY Geneseo Knights.