Geneseo volleyball hosts weekend tournament, drops both games

Geneseo hosted a two-day tournament this weekend, playing games against Carnegie Mellon on Friday, Nov. 3, and Rochester Institute of Technology on Saturday, Nov. 4, unfortunately losing both games and sitting at a record of 13 losses and 12 wins following regular season play. 

After four long and hard-fought sets, Geneseo came out on the losing side of their 3-1 match against Carnegie Mellon. Offensively, in the first set, senior outside hitter Linda Rossi had the first kill of the game which was assisted by libero Cecilia Dignan, and put them on the scoreboard. Dignan then scored a service ace which found the hardwood and brought them to a 3-2 score. 

Despite seven more kills by sophomore opposite hitter Sommer Madigan, senior middle blocker Alisiana Muscoreil, senior outside hitter Madison Popielski, and senior opposite hitter Julia Wallace, the Knights ended the first set with a 25-15 score, favoring Carnegie Mellon. 

The second set suited the Knights well, as they won with a score of 25-19 after kills from sophomore setter Carolyn Mack, Popielski, Wallace, and Madigan with assists from Mack and junior setter Jenna Garvey to help push Geneseo to a win. 

Geneseo did not play to their strengths the rest of the way as they lost 25-18 in the third, and 29-27 in the fourth, resulting in a close end to a tiring game. The Knights racked up 49 kills, 42 assists, six aces, and on the defensive front, eight blocks to end the day with a 3-1 loss.

On the second day of the two-game weekend, the Knights went up against RIT, which sadly ended in a loss following a five-set game. Each set came very close, with the first ending in a 25-22 win for Geneseo and saw senior outside hitter Tori Tripp tallying their first kill of the weekend followed by several more which helped the Knights prevail. 

After Geneseo dominated in the first set, RIT came back ready to compete. The Tigers took points early and never looked back, taking the second set with a score of 25-17. 

The third frame was mostly in Geneseo’s favor, despite an early scoring run for RIT. Mack went to the line, claimed an ace, and shifted the momentum. Junior setter Allie Driesen served seven balls in a row, earning two aces and giving the Knights a comfortable lead.

The fourth set was disappointing, as RIT took the lead from the start and went on numerous runs until they ultimately won 25-18. 

The final set was only 15 points, which made every move count. With the score 8-5, in favor of RIT, the teams switched sides, but the momentum did not. The Tigers continuously scored, even after a quick Geneseo run, as they assumed victory formation. RIT won the set 15-10, and the match 3-2, leaving Geneseo with an 0-2 record in the tournament.

Geneseo left the court with 56 kills, 53 assists, 12 aces, and an impressive eight blocks. The Knights will look to turn things around in the upcoming SUNYAC Tournament, as they strive for a conference championship.