Geneseo, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to SUNY Geneseo. The Wildcats battled throughout the match, falling 25-14 in the opening set before Geneseo took the second set 25-11. Poly showed its strongest fight in the third set, keeping the contest close throughout the middle stages before the Knights closed out the match with a 25-21 victory.
SET ONE
SUNY Geneseo took an early lead in the opening set, but the Wildcats responded with a kill from Kassity Cruz, assisted by Grace Southwick, to get on the board. Geneseo used a strong service run to build an early advantage, moving ahead 7-1 before Poly began to find its rhythm. Cruz added another kill, while Mylee Magnanti recorded a kill off another assist from Southwick. The Wildcats continued to battle, with Cruz contributing additional kills and Olivia Linart connecting on an attack assisted by Daniella Aluisio. Catherine McCourt also added a point as Poly looked to close the gap. Geneseo maintained its advantage through the middle stages, using consistent attacking and service pressure to extend its lead. Cruz and Southwick helped the Wildcats generate additional offense late in the set, but the Knights held on to take the opening frame 25-14.
SET TWO
The second set opened with a service ace from Geneseo's Jessica Macken putting the Knights on the board first. Poly answered with a kill from Linart, while Cruz added another kill off a set from Southwick. The teams traded points early, with Poly finding success at the net as Mylee Magnanti and Cruz combined for a block. Geneseo gradually created separation, however, using a series of kills and service pressure to build a 12-6 advantage. McCourt responded with a kill assisted by Southwick, and the Wildcats continued to compete as Daniella Aluisio and McCourt contributed offensively. Poly also found a spark from the service line, with McCourt recording an ace to help the Wildcats reach nine points. Geneseo continued to control the set with consistent attacking, extending its lead through the closing stages. The Knights closed out the second set 25-11 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
SET THREE
SUNY Poly came out with renewed energy in the third set, with Cruz recording a kill off an assist from Southwick to help the Wildcats keep pace early. McCourt added a kill, while Aluisio contributed a point as Poly looked to build momentum. Geneseo answered with a run of points, using kills and service aces to take an 8-5 lead. The Wildcats responded with a service ace from McCourt and continued to apply pressure at the net, with Cruz and Southwick connecting on another scoring play. Poly battled back to keep the set competitive, as Julia Holmes contributed a kill and McCourt added another point. The teams continued trading points through the middle stages, with Cruz, Linart and Aluisio contributing offensively. Southwick also recorded a service ace as the Wildcats pulled even at 14-14, setting up a competitive stretch. Geneseo edged ahead late, but Poly continued to fight, with Cruz and Kara Stephens recording kills to keep the Wildcats within reach. The Knights ultimately held off the late push and secured a 25-21 victory in the third set to complete the sweep.
