GENESEO, N.Y. – The SUNY Geneseo women's volleyball team clinched a first-round bye in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) tournament with a four-set win at New Paltz on Friday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Knights got off to a slow start, and the Hawks took advantage as they jumped ahead early with an 8-4 advantage. New Paltz held onto its early lead and ended up winning the opening frame 25-16.
• In the second set, the Hawks continued to keep the pressure on early, as they led by three points at 14-11. However, a block from sophomore outside hitter Madison Popielski and junior middle hitter Jackie Borland launched a seven-point run and Geneseo went ahead 18-14. The Knights went on to win the set 25-18.
• Geneseo was able to keep their momentum rolling from their big second-set victory and went on to win the final two sets 25-16 and 25-18.

QUICK FACTS

• Sophomore outside hitter Linda Rossi led the offensive effort with 11 kills and a .269 hitting percentage, while Borland had an efficient attack out of the middle with nine kills a team-high .438 hitting percentage.
• Senior setter Morgan Michalski led a balanced attack for the Knights and dished out 31 assists.
• Junior libero Emily Haber led the back line with 23 digs.
• Geneseo will receive a first-round bye in the postseason tournament and will travel to Cortland on Friday, Nov. 5 for the semifinals.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Knights will conclude their regular season SUNYAC play at Oneonta tomorrow at 1 p.m.