CORTLAND, N.Y. — The Cortland Red Dragons continued their conference dominance this year, capturing their fifth consecutive SUNYAC women’s volleyball championship after sweeping both of their tournament opponents. The win adds another trophy to one of the most accomplished programs in the State University of New York Athletic Conference, giving Cortland its 24th league title in program history. Photo Credit: EDL Photography
Cortland Vs Buffalo State:
The #1 seed Cortland swept the #5 seed Buffalo State 3 sets to 0 (3-0). The dragons took the first set 25-16, the second set 25-13, and the third set 26-24.
Emalee Ballou led the match with 11 kills and 2 errors with 22 attempts for a .409 attack percentage. Kira Pirrera also finished with 11 kills with 2 aces. Also making an impact on the match was Lauren Millspaugh with 7 kills. Erica Arroyo with 7 kills, and Sanaiya Whitted with 6 kills. Melissa O’Connor and Samantha Rodriguez each had 19 assists.
As a team, Cortland finished with a 2.66 attack percentage.
Cortland was trailing early in every set but there resiliency and perseverance drove them to come back and that ultimately lead them to a SUNYAC Championship matchup against Oswego.
Cortland vs Oswego
In the SUNYAC championship Cortland rolled Vs Oswego 3 sets to 0. Cortland won those sets 25-14, 25-13, and 25-19. This was Cortland’s 5th straight SUNYAC championship win.
Standout players included Lauren Millspaugh who had 9 kills with 0 errors. She has an attacking percentage of .529 and she also led Cortland with 5 blocks. Emalee Ballou also had a good game with 9 kills and 3 blocks. And Cortland’s terrific libero Alyssa Rich finished with 10 digs and 2 aces. Other standout players included Emma Reilly who had 6 kills, Kira Pirrera who also had 6 kills, Sanaiya Whitted had 6 kills, Melissa O’Connor had 22 assists, and Erica Arroyo had 3 kills and 6 aces.
In the beginning of the 1st set, Cortland was being tested. They were tied 3-3 early and then Cortland went on a 10-1 run which really flipped the entire match. Arroyo was excellent all game serving the ball. The 2nd set was all Cortland at one point in the set it was 16-4. And for the 3rd set it was tight until the end where Cortland won 5 of the last 6 points which claimed their 5th straight SUNYAC title in 5 years.
SUNYAC Tournament Awards:
MVP- Lauren Millspaugh
All Tournament Team- Emalee Ballou, Alyssa Rich
With the conference championship secured, Cortland now turns its attention to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Red Dragons will travel to Virginia Wesleyan University to play against Christopher Newport University this coming Thursday. As they move into national competition, Cortland hopes its dominant defensive play, balanced offense, and postseason experience will help them extend their season and compete for a deeper NCAA run.