The Knights improved their record to 14-9 this weekend when they traveled to Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. for the Clarkson Invitational where they played against the Nazareth Golden Flyers, the Clarkson Golden Knights and the St. Lawrence Saints. The Knights found themselves 2-1 on the weekend, beating Nazareth and St. Lawrence while facing defeat at the hands of Clarkson.
Before these games, the Knights continued their undefeated SUNYAC run against SUNY Oneonta and SUNY New Paltz the weekend of Oct. 11 and 12. This puts the Knights in first place in the conference.
The Nazareth match was a rollercoaster of action for the Knights, facing a 2-1 set deficit going into the fourth set. The fourth set began with the Golden Flyers taking an 11-10 lead over Geneseo. The Knights were able to turn the tables on three kills from senior outside hitter Grace Cergol. Sloppy play by Nazareth gave the Knights the opportunity to seal the win in the fifth set, bringing the match final to 3-2.
Cergol totaled 15 kills, 12 digs and four service aces while senior libero Sam Mendelsohn compiled a career-high 35 digs to lead the Knights to victory. Other game highlights include sophomore outside hitter Maddie McLaughlin notching four blocks and junior outside hitter Alexandra Frank reaching double figures with 23 digs. With the victory, Geneseo improved to a 6-1 record this season in games that reach the fifth set.
On the second day of action, Geneseo began with a 3-1 match loss to Clarkson. After the Golden Knights took a 2-0 set lead, Geneseo was able to pick up the third set 25-20. Unfortunately, the Knights were stopped in their tracks as Clarkson won the fourth set 25-17. Cergol accrued 10 kills, first-year setter Grace Thomas added 20 assists and Frank notched 20 digs.
After falling to host Clarkson, Geneseo was able to bounce back in their match against St. Lawrence University. The Knights forced a fifth set after the Saints jumped to a 2-1 set lead. Once again, the Knights were victorious in the fifth and won the match 3-2.
In the win, Mendelsohn surpassed her own career-high from the day before with 36 digs. Mendelsohn reflected on the feeling of her team being first in the SUNYAC following the weekend. “It honestly feels great to see all of our hard work paying off,” she said. “We are working day in and day out to focus on the little things that are going to make us successful and it is showing.”
The Knights will face the SUNY Oswego Lakers and the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons this weekend. On Friday, the match against Cortland is an away one and the game is set to start at 6 p.m. On Saturday Oct. 26 the Knights will face another away match and the game is set to start at 1 p.m.
This weekend is huge for the Knights and Mendelsohn explained the significance of beating their SUNY rivals. “[Winning both games this weekend is] extremely crucial. We have already clinched a playoff spot, but in order to host SUNYACs we need to beat Cortland this weekend,” she said.
Mendelsohn mentioned a first-year player as one who stood out to her following their weekend in northern New York. “I think Grace Thomas, our first-year setter, deserves recognition,” she said. “Her competitive energy is also something I really admire and her willingness to take risks sets her apart in my mind.”