MCC Sweeps Region III POD

UTICA, NY - MCC's volleyball team swept another POD as the Tribunes continue to show their growth this season. Beating two conference rivals in the same weekend, Monrore showed they could win big and close.

Game 1: Mohawk Valley CC

Monroe Community College delivered a commanding performance against Mohawk Valley Community College, sweeping the match in straight sets (25-17, 25-12, 25-16). From the opening whistle, Monroe's offensive power and defensive consistency set the tone, with multiple players contributing both at the net and on serves. Norah O'Connor (Plain City, OH) led the way with 14 assists and six aces, effectively orchestrating Monroe's attack and applying relentless pressure on Mohawk's defense. The team's serving prowess was a key factor, racking up 22 aces overall, causing havoc for Mohawk's backline throughout the match.

Hannah Deromanis (Loveland, CO) and Madalyn Robinson (Attica, NY) also played pivotal roles in Monroe's victory. Deromanis recorded nine kills and added a service ace, while Robinson contributed seven kills and three aces, despite some errors. Elana Barrett (Langsville, OH) stood out as well, tallying four kills on a .333 hitting percentage and four service aces, providing a stable presence on both offense and defense. The team's overall hitting percentage of .197, combined with their aggressive serving, helped them overpower Mohawk Valley's defense.

Mohawk Valley struggled to find any rhythm offensively, managing only four total kills for the match and hitting at a .000 clip. Monroe's defense, highlighted by 19 total digs, effectively neutralized any offensive momentum from Mohawk. Despite some solid defensive efforts from the Hawks, they were unable to keep pace with Monroe's dynamic attack and struggled to handle Monroe's serves, leading to their straight-set loss.

Game 2: Herkimer College

Monroe Community College triumphed in a thrilling five-set match against Herkimer College, responding to the successes from the Generals with ones of their own, to secure a 3-2 victory. The match was a battle of momentum swings, with Monroe clinching the decisive fifth set 15-8, showcasing their resilience and determination. The opening set saw Monroe edge out Herkimer in a tight 28-26 finish, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive contest. However, the Generals responded swiftly, dominating the second set 25-18, and Monroe struggled to find their rhythm.

The pivotal third set was a nail-biter, with Monroe narrowly winning 25-24. Key players like Madalyn Robinson (Attica, NY) and Kylee Storch (Williamsville, NY) made critical plays at crucial moments, helping to keep Monroe afloat. Storch led the team with 12 kills, while Robinson added nine kills, even as both players faced their share of challenges with hitting errors throughout the match. Despite Monroe's valiant third-set effort, Herkimer bounced back in the fourth, overwhelming Monroe 25-15 to force a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, Monroe dominated with a 15-8 finish, powered by effective serving and solid defense. Norah O'Connor (Plain City, OH), with her 31 assists and five service aces, helped guide the offense, while Angelika Lopez (Catskill, NY) anchored the defense with 19 digs. Monroe's serving proved critical in the final stretch, as they outpaced Herkimer's momentum and sealed the victory. Although plagued by errors at times, the Tribune's perseverance, strong serving, and team effort led them to a hard-fought win.

Looking Forward

MCC volleyball has continued to progress throughout the season, as they both get healthy and improve their play. The Tribs will look to continue their growth on the court and in the win collum in their next Region III POD.

NEXT UP: Region III POD (Onondaga Community College & Finger Lakes Community College) | 10/12/24 (TBD) |  Putt Moore Gymnasium (Canandaigua, NY)