Triumph & Challenge: Tribs Split in Lazers, Lakers POD

CANANDAIGUA, NY - The Monroe Community College Volleyball team split in their Region III Pod appearance, beating Onondaga Community College in straight sets before losing to Finger Lakes Community College in the same fashion. 

Game 1: OCC

The Tribunes dominated their match against the Lazers with a decisive 3-0 sweep, winning all three sets (25-15, 26-24, 25-20). MCC demonstrated control early in the first set, with a comfortable 10-point margin. OCC struggled offensively, hitting just .200 in the first set and .184 in the second, despite making a strong push in the second set, narrowly losing 26-24.

MCC's well-rounded performance was powered by strong serving and defense. Sydney Martin (Chittenango, NY) and Madalyn Robinson (Attica, NY) stood out, contributing a combined 10 service aces, with Martin also setting up 15 assists. Defensively, Robinson led with 11 digs, while Angelika Lopez (Catskill, NY) added 12 digs, keeping OCC's offense at bay.

Despite OCC's standout performances, particularly from Shelby Jock, who posted an impressive .818 hitting percentage, and Kara Stephens, the Lazers' attacking efficiency (.177) couldn't keep up with MCC's pressure. MCC capitalized on their opponent's errors and secured the match, continuing their strong form.

Game 2: FLCC 

The Tribunes lost to the Lakers, struggling to find consistency, and ultimately falling in straight sets (18-25, 16-25, 19-25). Despite their best efforts, MCC was unable to overcome the dominant performance of FLCC, who improved their record to an impressive 22-2.

Offensively, MCC struggled throughout the match, with a hitting percentage of -.049. Madalyn Robinson (Attica, NY) led the team in kills with six, but also recorded seven errors. Other standout moments were Norah O'Connor's (Plain City, OH) four kills and six assists, and Kylee Storch's (Williamsville, NY) seven points through kills and service aces; however, not enough to shift momentum in the Tribune's favor.

Defensively, MCC had a total of 37 digs, with Robinson and Angelika Lopez (Catskill, NY) each contributing nine digs. However, they were unable to stop the offensive prowess of FLCC, who posted a much stronger .298 hitting percentage. MCC did manage to earn two block assists but struggled with serve-receive errors, which impacted their overall performance.

Although the team showed moments of skill, particularly at the service line where they notched eight aces, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities against a well-rounded and consistent Finger Lakes squad. 

Looking Forward:

Monroe will look to keep the good and fix the bad, building on their strong performance against Onondaga while addressing the inconsistencies that surfaced against Finger Lakes, in the final part of the regular season. 

NEXT UP: WYNAC POD (Genesee CC & Jamestown CC) | 10/19/24 (10 am, noon) | Monagan Court (Monroe CC, Brighton Campus)