CAZENOVIA, NY - The Utica University volleyball team concluded its fifth-straight game on the road with a win over Cazenovia College on Wednesday night. The Pioneers defeated the Cazenovia Wildcats 3-0 in a straight-set sweep.
 
Utica started off strong as they were aggressive and able to record 12 kills during the first set. The team had a phenomenal .370 hitting percentage and used this momentum to win the first set in quick fashion, 25-14.
 
Entering the second set, Utica shifted to earning its points on the defensive end. The Pioneers had plenty of players stepping it up defensively as Eleanor Cepiel (West Sand Lake, NY/Academy of Holy Names), McKenna LaPorte (Liverpool, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse), and Krystell Pappas (Owensboro, KY/Owensboro) all tallied more than five digs each. Utica was able to continue its success and win the second set 25-15 and go up 2-0 against the Wildcats.
 
Looking for the straight set sweep, the Pioneers were determined to win the third set. Utica relied on its offense again and accumulated 10 kills in the set, sporting a .310 hitting percentage. Utica's offense proved to be overpowering as they forced the Wildcats to commit nine errors and a -.103 hitting percentage. Meghan Brennan (Southbury, CT/Pomperaug ), Madison Maggiore (Orangeburg, NY/Tappan Zee), and Eleanor Cepiel (West Sand Lake, NY/Academy of Holy Names) led the offensive surge with five kills or more each. The Pioneers were able to put their best set together and win the third set 25-13.
 
Utica was able to generate offense through aces as the team totaled 11 for the match. Lauren Jones (West Winfield, NY/Mount Markham ) led the team with five, followed by Hannah Johnson (Murfreesboro, TN/Blackman) (3) and Krystell Pappas (Owensboro, KY/Owensboro) (2). Madison Maggiore (Orangeburg, NY/Tappan Zee) continued her facilitating ways and accumulated 18 assists and helped the offense create points throughout the night.
 
Utica (5-3, 0-0 Empire 8) will travel to Oswego, NY for the Oswego State Tournament and begin play on Friday against Oswego at 4 p.m. and St. Lawrence University at 6 p.m.