CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. – The Finger Lakes Community College women's volleyball team showcased their determination and skill at the NJCAA DIII National Tournament, beginning with a strong 3-0 victory over Monroe College-Bronx. Anna Kurtzhalts (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island) led the Lakers' offense with 21 kills and a .405 hitting percentage, while Payton Stoddard (Bloomfield, N.Y./Bloomfield) orchestrated the attack with 33 assists and a service ace, setting the stage for a competitive weekend.
In the quarterfinals, the Lakers faced a familiar opponent, the College of DuPage. Despite a strong effort, DuPage captured a 3-0 win, sending FLCC to the consolation bracket. Jackie Neureuter (Pembroke, N.Y./Pembroke) recorded 7 kills, and Stoddard contributed 20 assists. Head Coach Andrew Solomon shared his thoughts on the intense competition this year, saying, "I am extremely proud of our showing at the national championship tournament. With the addition of the At-Large bids beginning in 2023 and the bracket expanding from 12 to 16 teams, it has become exponentially more difficult to advance. Newly admitted At-Large teams from Texas, Minnesota, Ohio, and Illinois have made the tournament stronger than ever. What we did this year is simply amazing."
The Lakers then faced Dallas College North Lake, battling through five close sets before narrowly falling 3-2 in a competitive finale. Neureuter continued to impress with 15 kills, while Stoddard delivered a career-high 51 assists. Michelina Williams (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) added 26 digs and five service aces, bolstering both defense and offense, and Kurtzhalts contributed another 19 kills. Reflecting on the team's performance, Solomon added, "We came 3 points away from beating DuPage, who made the Final 4, and barely lost 15-13 in the fifth set against Dallas North Lake. This year, we are recognized and respected on a national level."
The Lakers concluded their historic season with a thrilling 3-2 win over Owens Community College to capture 7th place. The final match was a back-and-forth showdown, with Kurtzhalts recording 21 kills on 52 attacks, and Neureuter delivering 15 kills, 15 digs, and 4 service aces. Stoddard, again crucial in facilitating the offense, added 40 assists and 3 aces. Williams anchored the backline with 21 digs, with Molly Goulette (Newark, N.Y./Newark) and Emily Jordan (Portville, N.Y./Portville) providing strong support.
After the tournament, Solomon expressed his pride: "Finishing the season with a thrilling 5-set victory over 3-time National Champion Owens CC was surreal. Before this year, we weren't mentioned alongside top-tier teams like Owens and DuPage. Now, we're right there among the best." Solomon also hinted at the team's bright future, noting, "We have already secured 6 recruits from the class of 2025, and we hope to make another run at a National Championship."
With a 30-4 record and key returners Kurtzhalts, Neureuter, and designated setter Jordan, the Lakers will enter the 2025 season ready to continue their legacy and pursue a fifth NJCAA Region III title.
