Elmira, NY -- Kelsey Ross '16 of the Elmira College women's volleyball team (4-15, 2-4 E8) logged a career-high 16 kills to pace the Soaring Eagles to a 3-1 win over visiting Alfred University (4-18, 0-6 E8). Tonight's victory extends Elmira's win streak against the Saxons to 23, a mark that dates back to the 2000 season.
Elmira's win also gives the Soaring Eagles two consecutive victories, both of which occurred on Elmira's home court at Speidel Gymnasium, bringing EC's home record this season to an even .500. Ross, who usually serves as Elmira's libero, made the move to outside-hitter tonight, a strategy that paid dividends for the Purple and Gold as she led the Soaring Eagles with 16 kills. She did not neglect her defensive duties either tonight as she made nine digs and a solo block.
Filling-in for Ross as EC's libero was
Samantha Hawksley '16 who continued to show her defensive abilities as she logged 17 kills, tying her career-best.
Sami Hanes '16 also got into the act on defense with 10 digs to go along with 41 assists. Her 10 digs marks the sixth time this season she has recorded 10 or more.
Ashley Heiman '16 also had a standout night with another double-digit kill effort as she finished tonight's match with 14 kills. She has had 10 or more kills in four consecutive matches, as well as five out of her last six matches.
Elmira took control of tonight's match early as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead, winning the first set 25-17 and the second 25-11. EC's dominant second set, 25-11, is the most lopsided set in favor of the Soaring Eagles this season.
However, Elmira's convincing win in the second set did not faze the Saxons as they took the third 25-22 and then raced to a 5-1 lead in the fourth. Eventually, the Soaring Eagles would win 24 of the next 33 points to win the fourth set with ease, 25-14.
The Soaring Eagles will be back in action on Tuesday, October 14th when Elmira plays in their final home match of the 2014 season as EC welcomes the Wildcats of Penn Tech for a non-conference match-up. The opening serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Elmira's Speidel Gymnasium in Elmira, NY.
