CAZENOVIA, NY- The Utica College volleyball team finished on a high note as it swept host Cazenovia College in the Pioneers' season finale Friday evening.  With the win, the Pioneers finish with their best season since 2009, as well as their most wins since 2014.
 
Utica overcame an 11-point deficit in the first set and held on despite facing three set points to earn a thrilling 28-26 win in the opening frame.  The second set was more of the same as the teams traded points.  Caz once again looked to put the set away, leading 24-34 but the Pioneers rattled off three straight to take set two 26-24.  With the momentum on its side, UC iced the game with a 25-22 win in the third and final set. 
 
Junior Eleanor Cepiel (West Sand Lake, NY/Academy of Holy Names) was impressive on both sides of the net as she led the Pioneers with 16 kills on the evening and also tallied 20 digs, a mark that was only bested by freshman Krystell Pappas (Owensboro, KY/Owensboro), who finished with 22 digs.  Pappas also led the squad with four service aces. 
 
Senior Kurstan Martin (Owego, NY/Tioga) tallied seven kills and added 11 digs, while sophomore Hannah Johnson (Murfreesboro, TN/Blackman) aided the offense with 15 assists and three aces.  Classmate Madison Maggiore (Orangeburg, NY/Tappan Zee) meanwhile chipped in with nine assists and 12 digs. 
 
Utica will bid farewell to seniors Kurstan Martin (Owego, NY/Tioga) and Caitlyn Curcurito (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa), but look to return a large portion of its lineup next season.