ALFRED, NY- Alfred University overcame a 2-1 deficit as it handed the Utica College volleyball team a 3-2 loss in Empire 8 Conference action Friday evening. 
 
After falling 25-19 in the first set, the Pioneers responded to take set two by a score of 25-21.  With the score tied 23-23 in the third set, Utica got the go-ahead point and then sealed the deal thanks to a Meaghan Romaguera (Stone Ridge, NY/Rondout) service ace to take a two-sets-to-one lead.  In the fourth set it was Alfred that pulled away after a late tie to win 25-21 and force the deciding fifth set.  The Saxons jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they took set five 15-11 to win the match.
 
Romaguera led the Utica attack with a season-high 17 kills, while sophomores Kurstan Martin (Owego, NY/Tioga) and Rosemarie Fesko (Goshen, NY/Central) each finished with eight kills on the evening. Fesko aided the offense with a career-high 18 assists, while freshman Brenna Stanton (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) also had 18 assists of her own.
 
Utica's serving game matched its best outing this season as the Pioneers finished with 11 service aces.  Freshman McKenna LaPorte (Liverpool, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse ) led the way with a season-best four aces, while classmate Cameron Boehlert (Utica, NY/Whitesboro ) had three aces and Fesko and Briana Toledo (Ardsley, NY/Ardsley) each had two aces.
 
Boehlert led the Utica defense with 17 digs, marking the sixth time she has finished with at least 10 digs.  Romaguera also notched 17 digs, while Stanton chipped in with 12 digs.
 
The Pioneers have a quick turnaround as they return to action on Saturday against Houghton College.  Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.