Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 BROCKPORT, N.Y. - The College at Brockport Volleyball team continued the strong momentum it had previously gained from a 3-0 match win on Tuesday to dominate the first day of the Brockport Invitational with two more 3-0 match victories Friday night.
Brockport (3-0) might as well have put some barriers outside of the Jim and John Vlogianitis Gymnasium because it was hosting a block party when the clock struck 4 pm. In the first match of the tournament against Penn St. Behrend, Brockport won by the scores of 25-17, 25-19 and 25-16, thanks in large part to its 14-0 block advantage.
In the second match of the Golden Eagles night, Brockport found itself in a battle during the second set which totaled 60 points. Brockport won the second set on its way to another 3-0 match with scores of 25-19, 31-29 and 25-19 versus Houghton.
Overall the Green and Gold played exceptionally well as a unit especially when it mattered the most and the crowd was cheering the loudest. Late in the second set, with the decibel levels reaching new heights and the edge of the fans seats getting shorter and shorter Brockport staged a rally to avoid a second set loss.
The Golden Eagles trailed 24-23 before a timeout allowed the team to collect its composure and string together two straight points to take the lead 25-24 behind a kill from Kayla Barber and block assists from Hannah Sawicki and Ashley Capone.
Brockport and Houghton traded a single point back and forth before the Highlanders strung together two straight points of its own to take the advantage, in the win by two extra points overtime. But Brockport yet again rallied, enticing the crowd to deafening noise levels. Sophomores Brianna Richardson and Noelle Poloncarz played the heroes in this rally pushing the Golden Eagles within a single point of the win. Poloncarz assisted on both of Richardson's kills to give Brockport the 28-27 lead.
The two teams traded back-to-back-to-back points and were knotted at 29-29 prior to a Richardson kill on a set from Poloncarz once again. The decisive set-winning point was awarded to Brockport on a ball handling error called against the Highlanders as the Green and Gold faithful all breathed a sigh of relief.
Overall on the night, Barber led the Golden Eagles with 30 kills and five service aces. Poloncarz had an incredible night to remember as she finished with 71 assists in two matches played. Sam Holdredge was a versatile presence for Brockport as she led the team with 33 digs and was second on the team with 15 kills.
Leading the block party for Brockport were Richardson and Sawicki as the two Golden Eagles both finished the night with six total blocks. Capone dominated the nets against Penn St Behrend with four blocks.
The Green and Gold return to action tomorrow during the conclusion of the Brockport Invitational. Action begins at 11 am against Skidmore and continues for the Golden Eagles at 3 pm versus the unbeaten Ithaca Bombers. Be sure to stay up to date on all your Brockport scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and "Brockport Golden Eagles" on Facebook.