Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's volleyball team opened strong but ultimately dropped a four-set home match to the Oswego State Lakers. The Wildcats took the opening frame 25–20 before the Lakers stormed back to claim the next three sets by scores of 25–19, 25–16, and 25–15. The Wildcats now sit at 5-6 on the season
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Wildcats came out sharp in the opening set, jumping ahead early on kills from Aluisio and a service ace by Catherine McCourt. Grace Southwick distributed the ball effectively, tallying assists on a series of kills by Aluisio and Kylee DeCarr to stretch the lead. Kassity Cruz chipped in with a timely ace and back-to-back kills, while Abby Newell added key points at the net. Though Oswego made a late push, Aluisio closed the set with a kill to seal a 25–20 win for the Wildcats.
Oswego responded quickly in the second, taking advantage of Wildcat miscues to grab early momentum. Despite strong swings from Cruz and Erica Mumbulo, along with another flurry of kills from Aluisio, the Lakers' front line proved tough to crack. Key points from Oswego's Kalley Vugteveen and Gigi Basile gave the visitors separation, and they closed the set 25–19 to even the match at 1–1.
The Lakers carried their momentum into the third set, surging ahead behind a strong serving run from Gabriella Bishop. Aluisio and DeCarr provided answers at the net, and Cruz added a pair of kills to keep Poly within striking distance midway through. However, Oswego's balanced attack built a commanding lead down the stretch, and despite late points from Aluisio, the Lakers finished it off 25–16.
SUNY Poly battled to stay alive in the fourth, with Newell landing an early ace and Aluisio converting on multiple kills off Southwick's sets. Mumbulo and Cruz also added offense to keep the Wildcats close through the first half of the set. But Oswego would pull away late for a 25-15 win to close out the match 3–1.
UP NEXT: The Wildcats are back on home court for a weekend tri match against SUNY Canton and Hilbert College on September 27th at 12:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.
