Score: Elmira 3 – SUNY Delhi 0 [25-13, 25-17, 25-14]
Records: Elmira (1-1), SUNY Delhi (0-2)
Location: Elmira, N.Y. – Speidel Gymnasium

ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College women's volleyball team defeated the Broncos of SUNY Delhi in straight sets [25-13, 25-17, 25-14] to earn its first win of the 2017 season on Friday evening at Speidel Gymnasium.

The Soaring Eagles started the match off strong, as they took the first five points in set one. A Delhi run to cut the EC advantage to three, 8-5. This quick rally did not deter the home team, however, as it went on a 6-2 run of its own to stretch its advantage to seven, 14-7. The Purple and Gold held on to this lead throughout the remainder of the set to take the first by a convincing 25-13 score.

For the second consecutive set, Elmira got off to a strong start, as a Lauren Smith '21 kill gave the team an early 8-2 advantage. The Purple and Gold lead grew to as high as 12 in the second after a Tiara John '19 kill gave them a 21-9 spread. John's service game was critical to the Soaring Eagles' success in the set, as the junior outside hitter tallied three aces in her six attempts in the second. Despite a strong finish by the Broncos, EC held on to take the set by a 25-17 final score.

The start of the third set mirrored the first two, as Elmira again stormed out to an early 8-2 lead. Natalie Schieder '19 was a catalyst for this early lead, as she supplied the team with a pair of kills in the first 10 points of the set. The Soaring Eagles' advantage grew to as high as 10 in the set after three straight Delhi errors made the score 15-5. Despite another late run by the Broncos, EC cruised to take the set 25-14, to earn their first win of the season.

Fueling Elmira's offense all night was junior setter Taylor Kaznowski '19. The Hamburg, New York, native recorded a match-high 31 assists and was the only Soaring Eagle to record more than two helpers. Kaznowski's efficient passing helped fuel EC to a .250-to-.000 advantage in attack percentage.

Schieder was the main recipient of Kaznowski's strong game, as she ended the contest with a match-high 10 kills. Finishing just two kills shy of Schieder, Smith's eight kills are a new season high for the rookie.

On the defensive end of the court, libero Kasey Campbell '19 had the entire court covered, as she recorded a season-best 11 digs on the night to pace all players.

In Their Own Words…
Head Coach Rhonda Faunce on the team earning its first win of the young season…
"It feels great to get any win. Tonight was just a glimpse of who we can be. We are going to continue to get better and better."

Coach Faunce on what positives that she took from tonight's triumph…
"We changed the rotation and put Tiara [John back] on the right side where she is more comfortable and Lauren [Smith] is really starting to play better in practice, which helps balance us a lot better. With that improved balance, we are able to move the ball around and it is going to make us tougher, which is what made the difference tonight."

Coach Faunce on what she is looking to get out of the team in tomorrow's match against Alfred State…
"I am hoping that the team comes out and competes. We need a match against a competitive team to see who we are. I am hoping for good things."
 
News and Notes

• Tonight's victory was EC's first of the season.
• Elmira's .250 clip is a new season best.
• EC's 11 aces are a new season high.
• Kaznowski's 31 assists are the most by the junior since the second-to-last game of 2016, when she recorded 41 in a 3-2 victory over Bard.
• Smith's eight kills are a new career high for the freshman.
• With 10 kills tonight, Schieder has tallied at least 10 kills in both of the EC's matches this season.
• John's seven kills and four aces are both season highs for the Soaring Eagles' transfer.
• Senior Courtney VanBuren '18 made her first appearance of the season in tonight's win.

Up Next
Elmira is back in action tomorrow morning when it welcomes non-conference foe Alfred State College to Speidel Gymnasium for its second match of the EC Quad-Match. The home bout is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.