The Ithaca College volleyball team extended their winning streak to six games, emerging victorious over a reputable Eastern University Eagles squad in four sets (21–25), (25–22), (25– 17) and (25–15), improving their record to 11–3 prior to their first conference matchup.
The Bombers returned to Ben Light Gymnasium in hopes of seizing control early, however, they were unable to do so. It was a tug-of-war affair early, however later in the set, the Eagles were able to take off, thanks to a five-to-one run, highlighted by junior middle hitter Bridgette Kelly, who registered four kills, causing havoc for the Bombers backcourt. The South Hill squad was unable to squash the sustained pressure, dropping the first set 25–21.
Following a slew of service and attack errors by the Bombers, head coach Johan Dulfer called a much-needed timeout. The response was a 13–9 run to close out set two on a positive note, headlined by the valiant efforts of first-year outside hitter Naomi Clauhs and junior outside hitter Faith Sabatier, both registering two kills apiece in contributing efforts to a 25–22 Bombers set victory. Both Clauhs and Sabatier have been meaningful contributors in the frontcourt, currently third and fifth in kills for the Bombers.
Coach Dulfer expressed his approval of his squad’s response to their sluggish start in the first set.
“We settled in nicely, and made a lineup switch, putting our bigger bodies up front. Our blocking limited any of their key opportunities,” Dulfer said.
The third set offered more positives for the Bombers, as they were able to take command, largely in part to four kills and two service aces by first-year outside hitter Gabriela Gonzalez-Abreu, registering a team-leading 19 points and 16 kills on the afternoon, leading the Bombers to a 25–17 victory.
Currently sitting first in points (168.5), and kills (148), Gonzalez-Abreu, who boasts a lengthy resume, including two high school championships at Mater Academy Charter, as well as a U17 USA Girls Junior National Championship, has established herself as one of the upper-echelon first-year players in Division III volleyball.
The Bombers rode the momentum of set three into what would be their fourth and final set of the evening, jumping out to a 9–2 cushion, thanks to sophomore middle blocker Ella Graper. The former James Madison Memorial High School standout and former offensive MVP in her senior year, came on strong, tallying a season-high 14.5 points and three total blocks in the fourth set, propelling the Bombers to their third straight home victory, closing out the Eagles 25–15.
The offensive onslaught by the Bombers in the final three sets was a positive sign for all, outsourcing the Eagles 75–54 in that span.
The Bombers travel to Union College, for their first Liberty League matchup of the season at 1 p.m. Sept. 30 in Schenectady, NY.
