Elmira, NY -- In a back-and-forth first set Elmira drew within 20-17 but were unable to come all the way back as Nazareth scored five straight points to close out the first set 25-17.
In the second set neither team led by more than three points. The two teams stood tied at 21 all. Each team traded points to remain tied at 23-23. Catherine Miller '14 (Pittsburg, PA -- Penn Hills) came up clutch with a huge service ace to bring it to set point at 24-23 Elmira. Empire 8 Player of the Year Sasha Zavadska '13 (Bratislava, SVK -- The British School) pounded out a huge kill from the back row to secure the second set 25-23 for the Soaring Eagles.
Elmira fell behind early 10-4 in the third set but stormed back using a 14-6 run to take an 18-16 lead. The Golden Flyers and Soaring Eagles each tallied impressive points to an even score of 22 all. Molly Short '13 (Sterling, CO -- Sterling) caught Nazareth's defense off guard with a kill on the second hit to put Elmira up one at 23-22. Nazareth came within match point at 24-23 before another Short kill tied it back up at 24 all. The teams continued to battle as an unforced error propelled the Flyers to a 27-25 win in the third set.
Nazareth used the momentum from its third set victory to burst out to a 10-4 fourth set lead. Elmira showed its resiliency bringing the deficit within two at 19-17 late in the set. However, three straight points by the Flyers increased the lead to five at 22-17. Each team traded two points apiece to bring the score to match point for Nazareth at 24-19. Elmira scored twice to bring it within 24-21, but the Golden Flyers prevailed 25-21.
Zavadska and Brittany Raykoske '12 (Johnstown, NY -- Gloversville) combined for 29 kills and nine digs. Miller finished with a team-high 17 digs, while Short tallied 39 assists and 12 digs.
Elmira will await the NCAA Selection Committee to see if it can earn an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, otherwise it will likely play in the ECAC Tournament.
All-Tournament Team
MVP: Maria Allocco, Nazareth
Aubrey Cooke, Nazareth
Chelsea Beecher, Nazareth
Brittany Raykoske '12, Elmira
Sasha Zavadska '13, Elmira
Becca Smith, St. John Fisher
Chrissy Dickinson, Stevens
