After playing a highly competitive pre-conference schedule the Red Dragons opened league play at home in Corey Gymnasium on October 4th. During their pre-conference schedule, the Red Dragons went 11-5. Their first stop was San Antonio Texas at the Trinity Fall Classic where they had a rough start going 1-2 in their first three games. After some time on the floor together Cortland picked it up, winning eight games in a row to get back on the right track. Entering league play the Red Dragons return as the defending SUNYAC champions after a stellar 26-4 record in 2023-2024 with a berth to the national tournament. Cortland volleyball is also on a lengthy SUNYAC regular season winning streak as they’ve now won twenty-nine in a row with their last loss dating back to 2021.
Against Oswego, Cortland came out dominant. They won in three straight sets completing the sweep 25-10, 25-19, 25-12. Cortland looked fearless at the net. They finished the game with thirty-nine kills and only twelve errors. Suny Oswego was held to just twenty-three kills on the day yet they committed twenty-two errors. The Red Dragon’s attack percentage was an efficient .276 as Cortland had constant pressure at the net all afternoon. Middle blockers Alexa Guedez and Emma Riley led this attack. Alexa, who’s a senior from Mamaroneck, had eight kills on twelve attempts, she also added in two blocks. Emma, a junior from Massapequa Park, added seven kills on fourteen attempts. She also protected the net well with four blocks.
To end their home weekend the Red Dragons hosted their senior day matchup against SUNY Canton on October 5th. Five seniors were honored before the game for their dedication and hard work, which they’ve displayed academically and athletically, and as outstanding members of the Red Dragon community. The seniors honored were Anna Pilkey, Madelyn McCormack, Jennifer Koestner, Alexa Guedez, Mikenzie Martens, and Ryan Hinshaw. After their pre-game ceremonies, Cortland came out laser-focused. They would win the first set 25-7 as Cortland had an insurmountable offensive attack that overwhelmed Canton. Cortland’s fifteen kills in the first set were the same number of kills Canton had totaled in the whole game. The Red Dragons swept again in this game, winning the second set 25-12 and the third 25-11. A complete takeover is the only way to describe the talent shown during this outing for Cortland. On the box score they at least doubled Canton’s game totals in the team comparison of points, kills, aces, blocks, assists, and digs.
Individually outside hitter Anna Pilkey had a phenomenal day with twelve kills on an efficient .545 attacking percentage. Joining Anna was libero Mickenzie Martin who posted nine digs and four aces. Ryan Hinshaw from Aurora, Illinois, plays setter and did exactly that dishing out fourteen assists during her minutes on the floor. This weekend was a test of the team’s focus and mental toughness. The high-level competition and early growing pains have paid off and prepped this roster to handle the opening weekend of conference play.