Brockport’s volleyball started off strong in SUNYAC play as they beat Plattsburgh, 3-1-1. Although the Cardinals put up a good fight, the Golden Eagles were firing on all cylinders.
Throughout the first set, Brockport’s offense was unstoppable. They recorded 12 hits to the Cardinals’ 7. The Golden Eagles even dominated in the service aces category, getting 4 during the set that allowed them to win 25-16.
During the second set, it was already looking like Brockport was going to run away with the match. Plattsburgh started to find their rhythm offensively and managed to pull off a 30-28 victory. They were initially losing 24-20 before they made their comeback.
Plattsburgh had all of the momentum going into the third set, but the Golden Eagles caught them by surprise, getting up 15-6 at one point. Although the Cardinals did cut into the lead by a good chunk, it was not enough as Brockport dominated with 13 kills. The Golden Eagles quickly stole the momentum back with a 25-22 win and were looking for the last set win to put away the Cardinals.
During the third set, though, Brockport developed an issue that allowed Plattsburgh to get back into the match. The Golden Eagles recorded 8 service errors during the set along with 12 attack errors.
Brockport’s Head Coach Jim Clar believes that the issue was not because of a problem with skill.
“We just got to go out and have more confidence in ourselves and play a little bit more free,” Clar said.
The Golden Eagles rode that wave of momentum into the fourth set and brought down the hammer on Plattsburgh. They had 15 kills, 6 service aces and a hitting percentage of .387. They were relentless on offense and their defense shut down Plattsburgh with ease. Brockport won the match with a 25-14 set victory.
The Golden Eagles wouldn’t have been able to pull off a victory like this without Jordan Thompson. She managed to get 15 kills, 4 service aces and 19 points. Thompson’s mindset has been a driving force in her success this season.
“As a fifth year, you just got to come out swinging and give it your all every time you’re on the court,” Thompson said. “It’s my last year and then also for the team. It’s our last year in the SUNYAC conference, so we want to win it and be able to leave our name on it.”
Thompson was not the only one who was on fire offensively. Leah Vitiello ended the day with 10 kills and 10 points. Alexis Sison recorded 10 kills as well, along with half a block to record 10.5 points for the day.
Kaitlyn Jewett was active in the assist department, coming up with 46 assists on the night along with 4 kills, 2 service aces, and 6 points. Although she is only a freshman, she has already connected well with her teammates when it comes to chemistry, including freshman setter Arrica Silliman.
“It’s been great to work with both of our freshmen setters,” Thompson said. “They came in ready to work and ready to make connections with all of our hitters.”
With the Golden Eagles’ first conference win, they improve to 5-8 while Plattsburgh drops to 7-5.
Coach Clar still believes there is some work left to do for his Golden Eagles.
“For us, we just got to be more consistent from start to finish,” Clar said. “We got to get rid of the up-and-downs because when we’re on, we’re really hard to stop.”
Hoping to spark a win streak, Brockport hosts SUNY Potsdam Saturday, Sept. 30.at 1 p.m.
