ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Wildcats traveled to Rochester this weekend to attend the University of Rochester Invitational. The Wildcats played three matches in the tournament against Rochester, Brockport State, and St. John Fisher. Unfortunately the Wildcats came up empty, losing all three matches.
In the first match on Friday night the Wildcats squared off with host Rochester. The Wildcats played the Yellow Jackets close in the sixth set, battling back and forth for every point until Rochester finally prevailed 29-27. The next two sets were won by Rochester in easier fashion as the Wildcats hitting percentage fell to below .100 while the Yellow Jackets hit .205 and .448 in sets two and three. Ryenn Smith (Lyons, N.Y.) led the charge for the Wildcats by recording a match high 13 kills. She also had six digs and three service aces in the match.
Saturday's first match started with the Wildcats taking the first set from Brockport 26-24, but the Golden Eagles fought back and took the next three sets from the Wildcats 18-25, 14-25, 18-25. Again, Ryenn Smith led all players with 14 kills in the match, and had a team high 15 digs. Sydney Johnson (Nine Mile Falls, W.A.) had a match high 29 assists. Johnson also recorded four digs and a block assist in the match.
The third and final match of the weekend ended with a Wildcat loss 0-3 to St. John Fisher 19-25, 23-25, 13-25. The Wildcats just ran out of gas. They had their lowest kill total of the season with just 21 and hit a season low -.013. The loss did not hold back senior outside hitter Melissa Krak (Canastota, N.Y.) from having a match high nine kills on 28 swings. Krak also served well, recording three service aces in the match.
When the dust settled, Brockport was named the winners of the tournament after going 4-0 for the weekend. Ryenn Smiths great play earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team. She had 29 kills, four service aces, 24 digs, and a block assist in the three matches she played.
The Wildcats are now 3-4 overall. The team will look to bounce back with a win on Wednesday, September 14th when they host the Sage Gators for a single match. Start time is scheduled for 7:00 PM in the Wildcat Field House.