Women's Volleyball Soars to #2 in National Rankings

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College women's volleyball team has skyrocketed to unprecedented heights this season, now sitting at the #2 spot in the NJCAA Division III national rankings. With a record of 18-2, a 17-match win streak, and 10 consecutive sweeps over their opponents, the Lakers have proven themselves as one of the most dominant forces in the nation. Their current position places them just behind the defending national champion, Dallas College Eastfield Harvester Bees. 

Since a narrow loss in their third match of the season, the Lakers have not looked back, storming through their Region III schedule thus far. Resilience, teamwork, and consistency have transformed them into a top contender, making the 2024 season one of the most successful in program history. 

Head Coach Andrew Solomon, now in his seventh season, has seen his vision for the program evolve into a powerhouse on the national stage. Under his guidance, the Lakers captured their first NJCAA Region III title in 2021 and have their sights set on securing their fourth straight regional championship this year. Solomon's leadership and the team's commitment have laid the foundation for their continued rise. 

"Going into the Opening Weekend Tournament (OWT) in August perfectly served it's purpose. Our intention was to be challenged with high level opponents in order to prepare us for a strong run in our own region. Our two losses in Chicago helped make us a better team. We are right where we want to be in preperation fro the Regional Tournament in early November", said Solomon.

Sophomore setter Payton Stoddard (Bloomfield, N.Y./Bloomfield) has been instrumental in the Lakers' journey, recently tying the all-time career assist record at FLCC with 1284 assists. With 456 assists already this season, along with 65 service aces, 125 digs, and 81.5 points, Stoddard's consistent playmaking ability has sparked the team's explosive offense. 

Leading the offensive charge are freshman standouts Anna Kurtzhalts (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island) and Jackie Neureuter (Pembroke, N.Y./Pembroke) who have made an immediate impact with 181 and 136 kills, respectively. 

On the defensive side, sophomore libero Michelina Williams (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport), the 2023 NJCAA Region III Defensive Player of the Year, has anchored the backline with 275 digs and 53 service aces.  

The journey continues for the Lakers as they kick off a four-match home stretch tomorrow against SUNY Broome Community College, where they will celebrate Sophomore Day. Following that, the Lakers will wrap up their regular season at Monroe Community College for a Region III pod on Saturday, October 19th before competing in the Mid-State Athletic Conference (MSAC) Tournament, aiming to secure the conference title and continue their historic run. 

With their eyes set on a fourth-straight Region III title and another national tournament appearance, the Lakers will set the stage for an exciting postseason run.