#2 Monroe Falls in Conference Championship Match to #1 Erie CC

ROCHESTER, NY - Monroe CC's women's volleyball team played very well and earned second in the conference after defeating a tough SUNY Niagara Thunderwolves team in five sets before the fatigued Tribunes fell to the Kats of Erie CC in the conference final.

Semi-final: #3 SUNY Niagara

In an electrifying five-set match, the Tribunes clinched a hard-fought victory over SUNY Niagara and progressed to the conference finals. Monroe started strong, taking the first two sets decisively (25-10, 25-16). However, SUNY Niagara bounced back, claiming the third and fourth sets (25-15, 25-13), forcing a nail-biting fifth set. Monroe regrouped to edge out SUNY Niagara 15-13 in the final set, sealing the match 3-2.

Monroe's Elana Barrett (Langsville, OH) was a standout performer, delivering 11 kills on 37 attempts and notching a match-high 12 service aces, keeping Niagara on the defensive throughout. Outside hitter Madalyn Robinson (Attica, NY) added another 11 kills and four aces, showing her skill both offensively and in the service role. Setter Norah O'Connor (Plain City, OH) played a crucial part, setting up 14 assists and recording eight digs, contributing to Monroe's strong defensive foundation. Sydney Martin's (Chittenango, NY) accurate sets and two blocks were vital, while Angelika Lopez (Catskill, NY) displayed defensive prowess with a team-leading 13 digs, preventing multiple Niagara attacks from landing. Jenna Tracy (Hilton, NY) added depth with five kills and three crucial blocks in pivotal moments, securing seven and a half points to bolster Monroe's winning efforts.

Monroe's collective performance, from powerful attacks to consistent defense, ultimately pushed them to victory and a well-deserved spot in the finals.

Final: #1 Erie CC

Following a grueling five-set semifinal win earlier in the day, Monroe Community College fell to top-seeded Erie Community College in a tough 3-0 sweep (25-11, 25-22, 25-20) in the conference finals. Despite Monroe's determined effort, the team was unable to match Erie's offensive power and consistency. After a sluggish slow first set, Monroe clawed back in sets two and three but struggled to be physically and mentally sharp enough to close out either on top. 

Monroe standout Elana Barrett (Langsville, OH) led with 10 kills and one ace, but she faced tough opposition from Erie's strong blockers, finishing with a .032 hitting percentage after 31 attempts. Fresh off her semifinal heroics, Madalyn Robinson (Attica, NY) added four kills but struggled to find her rhythm, as Erie's defense limited her impact at the net. Setter Norah O'Connor (Plain City, OH) distributed 13 assists and contributed defensively with a team-high 15 digs, while Angelika Lopez (Catskill, NY) added another 15 digs, underscoring Monroe's strong backcourt defense.

While Monroe fought hard in the second and third sets, their fatigue from the earlier five-set battle likely affected their endurance, ultimately leading Erie to take the title.

Looking Forward:

Despite the poor result in the finals, MCC displayed their tenacity and skill in every set. They will hope to continue their successes as they travel to Syracuse to take on Onondaga CC. 

NEXT UP: Region III Sub-Regional vs. #8 Onondaga Community College | 10/29/24 (7 pm) | Allyn Hall Gymnasium (Syracuse, NY)