Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Utica, NY (9/5/12)- It was an exciting night at the Clark Athletic Center gymnasium as the Utica College volleyball team hosted a tri-match featuring Cazenovia and SUNY IT.  The Pioneers won both games, marking the best start to a season in recent memory.

In the first game, Utica downed Cazenovia in straight sets (25-17, 28-26, 25-13).  The Pioneers jumped out to an early lead in the first set behind Sophomore Briona Enny (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) and never looked back.  Enny served nine straight UC points before the Wildcats were finally able to change possession.   In the second set, Cazenovia was up 25-24 and needed just one point to even up the sets.  However, a timely stop pulled UC even and allowed them to put away the set.  Utica cruised in the final set to secure the victory.  Sophomore Madison Bayer (Islip Terrace, NY/East Islip) led the way for the Pioneers with 11 kills, while Enny collected four digs.

The second match was a battle from start to finish as it required a fifth set.  SUNY IT won the first set (25-21).  Utica battled back and won the next two (25-22, 25-18), However the Wildcats came from behind to tie it up, two sets a piece (25-21).  In the deciding frame, the Pioneers jumped out to an early lead, and despite a late rally, were able to hold on to win the match (15-10).  The Sophomores again led the way as Bayer and Cassandra Manzer (Portcrane, NY/Chenango Valley) combined for 31 kills. Enny again led the team with six digs. 

The Pioneers return to action Saturday as they travel to Hamburg, NY for the Hilbert Invitational.  The first game pits Utica versus the host, Hilbert College at 12 p.m. while the second game features UC and Alfred University at 2 p.m.



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