ONEONTA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College women's volleyball team hung tough on Friday evening, but the Soaring Eagles were unable to keep pace with State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) powerhouse Oneonta, as the Red Dragons earned a three-set victory on the opening night of the Dig Pink Invitational.

The Soaring Eagles (11-15) were unable to generate consistent offense against SUNY Oneonta (21-7), as the Red Dragons were able to post eight blocks to stifle EC's attackers. The home side was led by Victoria Moulder, who troubled Elmira's defense all evening with 10 kills. Sophomore Sam Sprague '22 paced the Purple and Gold with seven kills and two blocks.

Despite sticking with SUNY Oneonta early, The Red Dragons ran away with the opening set behind a match-high .318 attack percentage.

Elmira's best set of the evening came in the second frame, as the Soaring Eagles looked to bounce back. Kaylene Sauschuck '22 floored a kill to push EC ahead 6-4 early, but Oneonta responded swiftly to seize an 11-6 advantage. The Purple and Gold pulled back within three at 20-17, but the Red Dragons maintained their edge to seal a 25-20 win.

The final stanza followed the script of the second, as the Purple and Gold went blow-for-blow with the Red Dragons. Sprague pushed EC ahead at 12-11 with a kill off of a feed from Kassi Hastings '21. The Soaring Eagles were unable to seize the momentum, however, as Oneonta took the final frame, 25-18.

News and Notes

• EC held the edge in digs, 29-26.
• Sprague tallied seven or more kills for the fourth time this season.
• Hastings registered a team-best 24 assists.
• Cassie Potter '20 paced Elmira with nine digs.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles close out the regular season on Saturday afternoon with a pair of matches against Cazenovia and Baruch on the second day of the Dig Pink Invitational. EC will take on Cazenovia at 12:00 p.m. before challenging Baruch at 2:00 p.m.