Lakers Conclude Historic Run
ROCHESTER, M.N. - The Finger Lakes Community College Women's Volleyball team concluded their postseason run, playing their final match of the year against Rowan County South Jersey – Gloucester for a chance at a 7th-place finish in the NJCAA, Division III, National Championship. The Lakers came out determined to finish strong and they did just that, defeating the Roadrunners in 4 sets, 3-1.
The Lakers started out fast, winning their first set, 25-15. However, the roadrunners tied it up, and the Laker dropped a close second set, 23-25. The Lakers rebounded in their third set, winning 18-25 and finished the match strong in the fourth set, winning 25-15.
With the win, the Lakers earned a 7th place finish in the NJCAA, Division III, Volleyball National Championship.
Sophomore Brandy Morrison (Macedon, N.Y./ Palmyra-Macedon) and freshman Emma Sipos (Canandaigua, N.Y./ Canandaigua) led the Lakers in the match. Morrison added 26 kills and 6 digs, while Sipos added 8 kills and 23 digs in the match.
Lakers Freshman Jenna Wallace (Baldwinsville, N.Y./ Baldwinsville) and Oona O'Brien (Canandaigua, N.Y./ Canandaigua) played important roles in the Lakers success. Wallace added 1 kill, 18 digs, 44 assists and 1 ace on the morning, while Oona O'Brien contributed 10 kills, 10 digs and 1 ace to the Lakers total.
The Laker conclude their historic season, with a record of 20-8, "this historic season has been an incredible journey for everyone involved. Like all seasons, this one had its share of ups and downs" stated Head Coach Andrew Solomon, "we were at a low point when we were swept by Fulton Montgomery and Erie in back-to-back matches".
The Lakers squad proved resilient, bouncing back at several point in the season when faced with adversity; Solomon stated, "We learned from those losses and were able to figure some things out and put it all together for the Regional and National run".
Coach Solomon reflected on the Lakers historic run "It is amazing what you can do when you peak at just the right time and that's exactly what we did. I am very proud of each of these girls and the entire volleyball program. They have accomplished something that can never be taken from them and have made a name for Finger Lakes volleyball on a National level".
The Lakers are proud about their run, and reflected on what was the most successful season in program history "they will be able to walk into FLCC's Putt Moore Gymnasium years from now, see that banner on the wall and know that they did something very special" stated Coach Solomon.
Thanks to her stellar play in the tournament and the important role she played for the Laker attack, Sophomore Brandy Morrison was named on the Division III, National All-Tournament Team.
Despite losing their top contributor on the season, Sophomore Brandy Morrison, the Lakers have a bright future for next season. The Lakers will return a squad currently consisting of all Freshman, outside of Morrison, in hopes of making another historic run next Fall.