Lady Pioneers Split a Pair

The Alfred State volleyball team split a pair of matches on Friday night at Houghton. The Lady Pioneers fell 3-0 to the host Highlanders and then rebounded with a 3-0 victory over Utica. The blue & gold are now 24-5 on the year.

In their opener vs. Houghton swept the Pioneers 15-25, 18-25, 27-29. Janae Hamilton (Ellicottville) led the Pioneers with nine kills while Jessica Padley (Sweet Home) finished with eight kills and 14 digs. Madison Webster (Corning) had 20 digs, Lera Braun (Waterloo) passed out 29 assists, and Bryanna Godfrey (Tioga) added 11 digs. The Lady Pioneers were slowed down by seven service errors and a .172 hitting percentage.

Hattie Burgher led the Highlanders attack with 15 kills. Erica Barney had 22 digs, and Anna Coryell finished with 29 assists. Houghton collected seven service aces and had a .325 hitting percentage.

The Pioneers defeated Utica 25-18, 25-18, 25-12. Godfrey led the way with eight kills and 14 digs while Hamilton, Padley, and Madison Szpaicher (Ellicottville) all finished with six kills. Braun passed out 27 assists. Grace Hall (Ellicottville) chipped in six digs, four kills, four aces, and three blocks. Alfred State hit .207 in the game and served eight aces.

Hannah Voss led Utica with seven kills, Lora Allen had 18 assists, and Alexis Lyon led the way with 12 digs. Utica hit .036 on the game.

The Pioneers wrap up the regular season on Saturday when they battle Keystone College at 11 a.m. at the Orvis Activities Center. Senior Lera Braun will be honored prior to the game.