PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University women's volleyball team defeated SUNY Brockport, 3-2, in the quarterfinals of the Empire 8 Championship Tournament on Saturday at the Manning & Napier Varsity Gym. The Cardinals advance to the semifinals, where they will face Alfred University on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. in Pittsford, N.Y.
Fisher improves to 22-6 overall and extends its winning streak to 15 matches, while Brockport falls to 11-12.
How It Happened
The opening set featured back-and-forth play, with neither team able to establish control. The score was tied 12 times, with five lead changes. Trailing 16-12, the Cardinals responded with a 7-1 run, highlighted by three kills from senior outside hitter Kaylene Noble. Fisher closed out the set with a 25-23 victory to take an early 1-0 lead. Noble finished with five kills, while junior outside hitter Lydia Fraser added four.
Brockport took an early lead in the second set, building an 8-5 advantage. After Fisher pulled within 10-9, the Golden Eagles went on a 6-1 run to extend their lead to 16-10. Brockport maintained its momentum and claimed the set, 25-19, to even the match at one set apiece. Fraser led the Cardinals with six kills, while Noble added four.
The Golden Eagles carried their momentum into the third set, jumping out to an 8-3 lead. Fisher attempted to rally late, putting together a 5-1 run led by sophomore outside hitter Kalyna Dannenberg, who recorded two kills during the stretch. However, Brockport held on to take the set, 25-21, and regain the match lead. Dannenberg finished the set with six kills.
The fourth set featured another closely contested battle. With Brockport leading 18-14, Fisher responded with a 7-1 run to take a 21-19 advantage. Dannenberg contributed two kills during the run as the Cardinals regained control. Fisher went on to win the set, 25-23, tying the match at two sets apiece and forcing a decisive fifth set. Fraser led the way with five kills.
In the fifth and final set, Fisher took control early. Up 7-5, the Cardinals went on a 5-0 run to reach 12-5, with Fraser recording three kills during the stretch. Fisher maintained its lead and secured the match with a 15-8 victory in the deciding set.
Match Notes
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Fraser recorded a career-high 20 kills.
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Junior setter Zofia Keogh dished out 50 assists, surpassing 1,000 career assists. It marked her third match this season with at least 50 assists.
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Noble finished with 16 kills, marking her 18th match this season with at least 16 kills.
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Senior middle blocker Ana Gutman recorded six total blocks, establishing a career high.
Up Next
The Cardinals will host Alfred University in the Empire 8 Championship Tournament semifinals on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Manning & Napier Varsity Gym in Pittsford.
