Tribunes Triumphs Over Onondaga CC in Thrilling Five-Set Showdown

SYRACUSE, NY - #9 MCC's volleyball team pulled off a comeback victory against #8 Onondaga Community College, winning 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 17-25, 25-15, 16-14) in a high-stakes showdown in Syracuse, NY. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Monroe's resilience playing a crucial role in the outcome. Here's a set-by-set breakdown and highlights from the game.

From the onset, Monroe had to weather Onondaga's relentless attacks. The first set was a tightly contested affair, with Onondaga narrowly edging out Monroe, 25-22. In the second set, Monroe showed their determination, being on the winning side of the 25-22 second set. Setter Sydney Martin (Chittenango, NY) played a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense, delivering 29 assists and helping the Mustangs maintain a steady rhythm. 

Despite their momentum, Monroe stumbled in the third set, falling 25-17. The Tribunes rallied magnificently in the fourth set, demonstrating their mental toughness. Elana Barrett (Langsville, OH), who had a rough attacking night with a negative hitting percentage, compensated by serving five aces, crucial to Monroe's 25-15 dominance in the set. The Mustangs tightened their defense, as Angelika Lopez (Catskill, NY) and Jenna Tracy (Hilton, NY) provided essential digs and defensive stops.

The deciding fifth set was a nail-biter. With the score teetering back and forth, Monroe's attacking lineup, anchored by Madalyn Robinson (Attica, NY) and supported by Tracy's four kills and three blocks, made the difference. In a high-pressure scenario, Monroe clinched the final set, 16-14, sealing an extraordinary comeback win.

Monroe's victory was a true team effort. Despite finishing with a modest .046 hitting percentage, their tenacity, and well-distributed play were key. Their serving game was a highlight, with 19 aces overall, led by Martin and Barrett. Defensively, Monroe dug deep, literally and figuratively, collecting 69 digs, with Lopez contributing 15.

The Tribunes will need all the intensity they can get when they face Finger Lakes Community College. 

NEXT UP: Finger Lakes Community College | 11/2/24 |NJCAA North A District Semifinal