Score: Elmira College 3, Bard College 0 [25-12, 25-15, 25-21]
Records: Elmira (17-12), Bard (12-20)
Location: Dewar Arena – Oneonta, NY

Oneonta, NY -- The Elmira College women's volleyball team opened play at the Oneonta State Dig Pink Invitational with a straight-sets victory over Bard College in non-conference action on Friday night.

The Soaring Eagles cruised to the 3-0 neutral-site win over the Raptors, 25-12, 25-15, 25-21.

Although the offense didn't finish with its best performance of the season, it guided EC to the win in the first set, as the Soaring Eagles hit a match-high .263. Kierstin Derr '16 led the balanced offensive attack with six kills, followed by Paola Ortiz '16 with five. Kelsey Ray '17 finished with four kills without committing an attacking error for a .667 hitting percentage. Natalie Schieder '19 added four kills of her own.

In addition to her team-high 19 assists, first-year setter Taylor Kaznowski '19 added a team-best nine digs.

Turning Point
Although the Red Dragons would win three straight point to pull ahead, 3-2, early in the second set, the Soaring Eagles responded with a run of their own to re-take the lead. Ray tied the set at 3-3 with a kill, and the ensuing serve from Schieder landed in Bard territory after hitting the top of the net for her only ace of the night. Ashley Heiman '16 followed with a kill and block to give EC a 6-3 advantage, as it went on to claim the set, 25-15.

Inside the Box

• Elmira's most efficient set was the first with a .263 hitting percentage.
• The offense received six kills from Derr, five from Ortiz, four each from Schieder and Ray, and three from Heiman.
• Kaznowski assisted on 19 kills; Sami Hanes '16 finished with eight assists.
• EC recorded 13 aces, led by Ortiz with three.
• Kaznowski led EC with nine digs, followed by eight from Amanda Blinkinsop '16.
• Ray finished with a team-high three total blocks.

News and Notes

• Kaznowski's streak of double-digit assists continues; she has accomplished the feat in all 29 matches this season.
• The 13 service aces are the most for Elmira since it had 14 against SUNY Canton on October 15th.
• EC's 27 kills are the fewest needed to earn a win this season.
• The straight-sets win is the ninth of the season for the Soaring Eagles.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles will wrap up play at Oneonta State's Dig Pink Invitational – and the 2015 regular season – with a 10:00 a.m. match against the Cardinals of Plattsburgh State and a 12:30 p.m. outing against the host Red Dragons.