A New Season, A New Opportunity
After an 8-17 season in 2025, the SUNY Poly women's volleyball team enters 2026 looking to increase its win total for a third consecutive season.
The Wildcats finished 2-9 in Empire 8 Conference play and placed 10th. The season ended with the Wildcats winning two of their final three matchups of the year, starting with Elmira College on Halloween and Keuka College the following night.
Now, with four returning players and 10 newcomers, the team will look to build on last year's experience while establishing a new identity.
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Looking Back at 2025
Offensively, SUNY Poly was led by Daniella Aluisio and Kassity Cruz. Aluisio finished with 238 kills and averaged 2.70 kills per set, while Cruz recorded 221 kills and averaged 2.80 kills per set. Cruz was particularly effective in conference play, averaging 3.09 kills per set with a .129 hitting percentage.
Abby Newell also provided a strong offensive presence, recording 122 kills and averaging 1.58 kills per set overall. Kylee DeCarr contributed 59 kills and averaged 0.87 kills per set, while Erica Mumbulo added 57 kills.
At the net, Daniella Aluisio recorded 22 blocks overall, while Mumbulo recorded 25 total blocks and a team-best 0.32 blocks per set among players with significant playing time.
Defensively, Samantha Dee was one of SUNY Poly's biggest contributors. She recorded a team-high 358 digs and averaged 4.07 digs per set, while also posting a .892 reception percentage. Jade Taylor added 208 digs and a .915 reception percentage.
As a team, the Wildcats recorded 1,336 digs, 49 blocks and 791 kills over 25 matches.
Conference play presented a tougher challenge. SUNY Poly averaged 8.32 kills and 13.35 digs per set while hitting .082 as a team across 11 conference matches.
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A New-Look Wildcats
The Wildcats will have to replace the contributions of several players who are no longer on the roster.
Among the team's key departures is Samantha Dee, who led the Wildcats in digs throughout the 2025 season. The team also lost Kylee DeCarr, Jade Taylor and Abby Newell, creating opportunities for returning players and newcomers to step into larger roles.
The Wildcats return key players such as Kassity Cruz, Daniella Aluisio and Grace Southwick.
The team will also welcome 10 newcomers, including Mylee Magnanti, Camryn Clark and Olivia Linart.
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Players to Watch
Daniella enters the season as one of the team's most important returning players after recording 238 kills and averaging 2.70 kills per set last season, as well as being a solid force at the front line, accumulating 22 total blocks on the year. This year, as she takes on the role of team captain, Aluisio will look to lead the Wildcats to yet another successful season.
After contributing strong offensive numbers in 2025, Kassity will look to take another leap in the right direction as she will be expected to contribute on the attacking side of the game. Last year, Cruz ended her season with over 200 kills while effectively swinging the ball at a .140 hitting percentage. Paired with Aluisio, Cruz will look to make an immediate impact offensively.
Primary setter Grace Southwick will be another key player to watch following a strong junior season that saw her eclipse 1,000 career assists. She will play an important role in facilitating the ball to players such as Aluisio and Cruz.
Looking Ahead
The Wildcats begin their season on September 4, when they square off with the SUNY Morrisville Mustangs in match one of their opening weekend tournament.
With a mix of experienced returners and a large incoming class, SUNY Poly will look to establish its identity early and build momentum throughout the 2026 season.
