Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Houghton. The Wildcats battled early in the opening set but were unable to overcome Houghton's attack, falling 25-18. The Highlanders carried that momentum into the next two sets, earning 25-11 and 25-13 victories to secure the match.
SET ONE
SUNY Poly traded points with Houghton early before the Highlanders began to create separation with a scoring run to take an 8-2 lead. The Wildcats responded with kills from Catherine McCourt and Ella Eichorst to stay within reach. Poly continued to compete through the middle of the set, with Mylee Magnanti contributing offensively and Kassity Cruz recording a service ace. The Wildcats found some momentum late, as Cruz added a kill and Poly benefited from Houghton attack errors to continue adding points. However, the Highlanders maintained their advantage and closed out the set 25-18.
SET TWO
Houghton took control early in the second set, building a lead behind a series of kills from Alexa Belanger and Katelyn Martin. The Highlanders also found success at the service line, using an ace to extend their advantage and put pressure on the Wildcats' defense. SUNY Poly looked to respond with contributions from McCourt and Cruz. Poly put together a brief stretch of points midway through the set, with Cruz connecting on the attack and Grace Southwick adding a kill. Houghton answered with another scoring run, however, pulling away to claim the set 25-11.
SET THREE
The Wildcats opened the third set with a point before Houghton responded with a run to take control. Poly continued to battle, with Cruz and Camryn Clark contributing kills while Teagan Hopkins helped create offensive opportunities. Houghton maintained its lead behind consistent attacking and service pressure, forcing the Wildcats to work for each point. Poly found some success through the middle of the set, as Cruz and Clark recorded kills and the Wildcats continued to compete at the net.the Highlanders sustained their offensive pressure down the stretch to take the set 25-13 and complete the sweep.
UP NEXT
The Wildcats will look to bounce back in their next match on Friday, October 16th when they matchup with the Russell Sage Gators at home starting at 6PM.
