ALFRED, NY – The Utica University volleyball team fell to Alfred University 3-1 on Friday evening.
Leading the way for the Pioneers was Trinity Bailey (West Winfield, NY/Mount Markham), who turned in a strong all-around performance with 14 kills, one ace, six digs, and one assist. Jada Anthony (West Nyack, NY/Clarkstown South) followed with seven kills, while Lauren Jones (West Winfield, NY/Mount Markham) tallied 12 assists, 13 digs, and three service aces to go along with three kills and one block. Kendall Turner (Huber Heights, OH/Wayne) chipped in five kills, five aces, and eight digs, while Emylie Stanton (Latham, NY/Shaker) added three kills and a dig. Megan Wright (Clay Center, KS/Clay Center Community) anchored the back line with 22 digs and three assists.
The Pioneers opened strong, taking the first set 25-23. After falling behind 3-0 early, Utica stormed back behind a pair of service aces from Turner and kills from Bailey and Lauren Jones (West Winfield, NY/Mount Markham) to even the score. A kill from O'Brien and an ace by Jones helped Utica build momentum midway through. Down 20-19 late, the Pioneers surged behind consecutive aces from Turner to tie the set at 23. Jones then teamed up with the block for a clutch point before an Alfred attack error sealed the 25-23 win.
The second set featured another close battle, with Utica trading points throughout. Early kills from Anthony and Bailey helped the Pioneers stay within reach, while Herrington and Williams added timely swings to keep the offense balanced. Bailey's service ace brought Utica even at 15-15, and Turner added a kill late to make it 20-19. Despite the late push, Alfred held off the rally to edge the Pioneers 25-23 and tie the match at one set apiece.
In the third frame, Alfred found its rhythm, while Utica struggled to capitalize on opportunities. Bailey and Anthony each notched multiple kills, and Jones recorded an ace to keep the Pioneers within striking distance early. Herrington and Stanton added kills off assists from Jones, but a series of aces and kills from the Saxons allowed them to pull away 25-18.
The fourth set saw another strong start for Utica as Turner and Jones combined for early points, including a pair of Jones aces that gave the Pioneers a brief 6-5 edge. Herrington followed with back-to-back aces to keep Utica close at 13-13, and Bailey fired three straight kills late in the set to narrow the gap to 20-18. Despite the late effort, Alfred's offense closed strong to take the final set 25-19 and seal the 3-1 win.
Utica (8-13, 1-3 Empire 8) takes on Houghton University tomorrow, Saturday October 11. Game time from Houghton, NY is set for 2pm.
