Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Russell Sage College on Friday afternoon. The Wildcats battled throughout a competitive opening set before falling 25-23. The Gators gained control in the second set, earning a 25-16 victory, before closing out the match with a 25-12 win in the third set.
SET ONE
SUNY Poly came out strong in the opening set, taking an early lead behind a service ace from Catherine McCourt and an attack from Mylee Magnanti. The Wildcats continued to build momentum as [Olivia Linart] added a service ace, helping Poly establish a 6-2 advantage. Russell Sage responded with a run of points to keep the set close, but Poly continued to find success offensively. Kassity Cruz contributed a kill and a service ace, while McCourt and Magnanti added key attacks. The Wildcats maintained their lead through the middle stages, with Daniella Aluisio recording a service ace and Cruz adding another kill. Russell Sage rallied late, however, using a series of kills and service pressure to take the lead. Poly fought back to tie the set at 22-22, but the Gators edged ahead down the stretch and claimed the opening set 25-23.
SET TWO
Russell Sage seized control early in the second set, jumping out to a 7-0 lead as the Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm. SUNY Poly responded with a kill from Grace Southwick, followed by an attack from Cruz to get on the board. The Wildcats looked to build momentum through the middle of the set, with Ella Eichorst recording a kill and Cruz and McCourt contributing offensively. Poly also found success at the net, with Eichorst and Cruz combining for a block to slow the Gators' attack. Southwick added a kill, while McCourt and Cruz connected on additional scoring plays as the Wildcats continued to battle. Russell Sage maintained its advantage with consistent attacking and service pressure, extending its lead in the closing stages to take the second set 25-16.
SET THREE
The Wildcats opened the third set with a kill from Cruz, but Russell Sage answered quickly to even the score and began building momentum. The Gators used a combination of kills and service aces to create separation, moving ahead 8-3. Poly continued to compete, with McCourt recording a kill and Teagan Hopkins helping facilitate the offense after entering the set. Cruz added another kill, while Mylee Magnanti and Southwick contributed at the net. The Wildcats put together a brief stretch of points, with Cruz and Southwick connecting on a scoring play and Poly adding another point to reach 12. Russell Sage continued to apply pressure from the service line and at the net, however, pulling away with a series of points late in the set. The Gators closed out the third 25-12 to complete the 3-0 sweep.
