UTICA, N.Y. - The SUNY Geneseo women's volleyball team took on Utica in an Empire 8 match up on Saturday afternoon, and fell 3-2 in a five-set battle. The Knights now sit at 11-10 on the season and 4-3 in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The lead shifted back-and-forth throughout the first half of the opening set, until Geneseo cruised ahead with a 22-14 lead. The Knights continued to apply pressure to secure a 25-15 win over the Pioneers.
- Geneseo sustained their early momentum as the second set got underway. The Knights stayed in control, denying Utica any chance at a comeback and finished strong with a 25-18 victory. Kate Barba powered the offense with four kills and three service aces.
- The third set was a hard-fought battle, with neither team giving an inch. With the score tied at 25, the Pioneers delivered back-to-back kills to take a 27-25 win over the Knights. Sydney Leigh-Manuell recorded four kills, while Ayla Pas'cal chipped in with three.
- The fourth set matched the intensity of the third, with Geneseo drawing even at 18. Utica was able to pull away late to secure a 25-21 win.
- With the match tied at two apiece, the teams headed into a decisive fifth set. The Pioneers wrapped up the set with a 15-12 win over the Knights. Cory Elder registered three kills in the effort.
QUICK FACTS:
- Zooey Gagnier controlled the defense, collecting 24 digs.
- Barba recorded 16 kills, while Elder and Leigh-Manuell tallied nine each.
- Carolyn Mack set the tone for Geneseo's attack with 40 assists on the day.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Knights will face Houghton on the road on Friday, October 24th at 6 P.M.
