Geneseo volleyball claims two sweeps this past weekend
On Friday, Sept. 29, Geneseo’s women’s volleyball team began their successful weekend against Potsdam with a score of 3-0 in their first of many SUNYAC games this season. The first set was led by senior outside hitter Madison Popielski, who dominated with three straight aces and set the mood for the rest of the game early on. Despite some unfortunate errors, senior opposite hitter Julia Wallace was able to come in with a big kill to wrap up the first set in a 25-21 victory.
With the Knights’ heads held high going into the second set, they stood their ground and came out the other side with a 25-6 win. With numerous powerful blocks by players such as senior outside hitter Linda Rossi, Geneseo's defensive game was strong in the second set. With the score standing at 17-6, junior setter Allie Driesen sealed the deal for Geneseo’s successful second-set win.
Going into the third and final set and one away from their first SUNYAC win of the season, the Knights refused to let a win slip through their fingers. Both Popielski and senior defensive specialist Cecilia Digan had early serving runs. Kills from Wallace, Rossi, and junior middle blocker Madison Gamberg helped to solidify the win for Geneseo who ended the set with a 25-18 win and a 3-0 sweep on the night.
Wallace recorded nine kills against Potsdam, to bring her total to 59 so far this season. Dignan dished out 23 digs in the game as well, raising her season total to 180 and making this season her career-best thus far. Sophomore setter Carolyn Mack tallied the team lead with a high of 15 assists in the match.
The Knight did not stop there, as they took on Plattsburgh the next day, Saturday, Sept. 30, and did not disappoint. They started the first set of the night off quickly on offense, but soon worked themselves into a 5-5 tie. Geneseo got their edge back as junior defensive specialist Alex Ayers followed through with two service aces and secured a 25-13 win in the first set.
Going into the second, Plattsburgh would not let up and the two teams got themselves in a second tie at 21-21. The set was long and exhausting for both teams as the Knights and Cardinals made it past the 25-point mark going back and forth trading points. Geneseo’s defense was on their A-game as they swatted off multiple set points before a big kill from senior middle blocker Alisiana Muscoreil secured a 33-31 victory for Geneseo and put an end to the tiresome second set.
With a short break between the second and third set, Plattsburgh was hoping to bounce back but came up short. Sophomore opposite-side hitter Sommer Madigan came in clutch with an impressive kill, putting Geneseo up to 4-2 early. Plattsburgh had some errors soon after, and the Knights took advantage with numerous kills in a row from Muscoreil, Driesen, and Popielski. With a final kill from Rossi, Geneseo put an end to the game with a 25-16 third set and claimed another SUNYAC win.
Muscoreil led the Knights in the second match with eight total kills. The game against Plattsburgh brought her total to 48 this year, toppling her season record. Junior setter Jenna Garvey topped her previous best total in assists, as well, with 132 on the year after recording 16 against the Cardinals.
Next, the Knights will travel to Oneonta to take on the Red Dragons in another SUNYAC matchup on Friday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m.