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Elmira, NY -- The Elmira College women's volleyball team (13-7, 2-1 E8) had their backs against the wall in day one of the Empire 8 Crossover as they trailed 14-13 in the fifth set, but a pair of blocks from Taryn Rumsey '14 and Alicia Day '17 propelled the Soaring Eagles to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hartwick College (4-14, 1-3 E8).

Elmira dropped the first set 25-23, but rebounded to take the second in impressive fashion, only allowing 10 points. The Soaring Eagles pulled out a close 26-24 third set and carried the momentum into the fourth set as they looked to close the match. EC jumped out to a lead in the fourth set, but the Hawks rallied for a 25-20 win, forcing the deciding fifth set.

The fifth set was full of runs as the teams traded leads back and forth. Hartwick took a 14-13 lead needing only one point to clinch the match, but Rumsey and Day had other ideas. As Hartwick was attacking, the pair elevated and made the block to tie the game. After EC won a point to make it 15-14, Day once again stepped up in the pressure situation. This time Day made the block by herself, sending the Hartwick attack straight down to the floor, securing the five-set win.

The Soaring Eagles were led offensively by Rumsey who recorded 32 kills and two aces while Kierstin Derr '16 chipped in 12 kills on the night. Sami Hanes '16 set her teammates up all match long, tallying 48 assists. On the defensive side, Catherine Miller '14 was one of five EC players to notch double-digit dig totals, pacing the Purple and Gold with 32 in the match. Rumsey led the team in blocks, with two solo blocks and five block assists, while Day was close behind with one solo block and four block assists.

Elmira will be back in action tomorrow as they embark on day two of the Empire 8 Crossover held in Speidel Gymnasium. The Soaring Eagles play Stevens Tech at 10:00 a.m. and Houghton College at 3:00 p.m.