UTICA, NY - The Utica College volleyball team defended its home court on Wednesday night as the team defeated Morrisville St. in three straight sets. 
 
With the score even at five in the first set, UC created some breathing room and although the Mustangs kept it close, the Pioneers never surrendered the lead after the early even score. Morrisville St. pulled within one, 20-19, before UC finished the set rattling off five straight to win 25-19. 
 
After a 2-2 tie to start the set, Utica never allowed Morrisville St. back into the match as they extended the lead to 13-7 at one point. The Mustangs came back to make the set a bit more interesting at 22-17 however, a pair of service errors by them and a kill by Caitlyn Curcurito (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa) ended the set in favor of UC, 25-20. The Pioneers jumped ahead 5-0 to begin the third set while also having its largest lead in the game, 17-7. Up 24-15, Eleanor Cepiel (West Sand Lake, NY/Academy of Holy Names) ended the set and game with her 10th kill to help Utica pick up its first home win of the season. 
 
Eleanor Cepiel (West Sand Lake, NY/Academy of Holy Names) led the way with 10 kills, followed by Kurstan Martin (Owego, NY/Tioga) and Caitlyn Curcurito (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa) with five each. Brianna Woods (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) was a menace around the net as she totaled five blocks in the match. Krystell Pappas (Owensboro, KY/Owensboro) led UC with 14 digs while Cepiel finished with 12 and Martin totaled nine. Hannah Johnson (Murfreesboro, TN/Blackman) and Madison Maggiore (Orangeburg, NY/Tappan Zee) led Utica in assists with Johnson leading the way with 11 and Maggiore finishing with nine. 
 
UC (2-6) travels to Oswego this weekend for the Oswego Tournament. The Pioneers will take on SUNY Canton on September 17 at 8 p.m. followed by two games on September 18 against St. Lawrence at 1 p.m. and SUNY Potsdam at 3 p.m.