The Finger Lakes Community College women’s volleyball dynasty continues, as the Lakers solidify their legacy with a fourth consecutive Region III title after a commanding 3-0 victory over SUNY Adirondack on Sunday afternoon. The Lakers advanced to the final following a 3-0 sweep over Monroe Community College on Saturday.
With their fourth consecutive regional title, the Lakers have become the first team since Jamestown Community College in 1998 to achieve such a feat in women’s volleyball. The Jayhawks went on to extend their record to five consecutive titles in 1999, marking the longest streak in the 50-year history of Region III volleyball.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Head Coach Andrew Solomon added, “This win was very characteristic of our entire season. Any time we were challenged, trailing, or facing adversity, the team stepped up and showed tremendous resiliency. They didn’t panic, they dug in their heels, fought back, and came out on top. Every girl on the roster was able to get in the match and contribute—I’m very proud of the entire team.”
In the semifinal match against Monroe, Jackie Neureuter (Pembroke, N.Y./Pembroke) led the attack with 11 kills, hitting .310, while Payton Stoddard (Bloomfield, N.Y./Bloomfield) orchestrated the offense with 29 assists and contributed 15 digs. Michelina Williams (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) added 10 digs and 2 service aces, while Kayce Hennekey (Rochester, N.Y./West Irondequoit) chipped in with 2 kills and 2 blocks, helping the Lakers secure a smooth 3-0 victory.
In the final against SUNY Adirondack, the Lakers were relentless from the start. Kayce Hennekey powered the offense with 8 kills, hitting .273, and played a pivotal role defensively with a solo block. Her standout performances throughout the tournament earned her All-Tournament Most Valuable Player. Anna Kurtzhalts (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island) added 10 kills with an impressive .429 hitting percentage, and Jackie Neureuter recorded another 11 kills, alongside 8 digs in an impressive showing for the freshman. Sophomore Payton Stoddard continued her excellence as the team’s setter, delivering 31 assists and leading a balanced attack. Sophomore libero Michelina Williams was strong on the backline with a team-high 23 digs.
All-Tournament honors recognized several Lakers for their performances, with Michelina Williams, Payton Stoddard, and Jackie Neureuter named to the All-Tournament Team, and Kayce Hennekey capturing the MVP title.
With the Region III championship secured, the Lakers now turn their focus to the NJCAA Division III National Tournament, where they’ll be joined by Region III’s District B champion, Fulton-Montgomery.
The Lakers head to the tournament with a 28-2 record and a 27-match win streak, positioning them as formidable contenders. Tournament seeding will be announced on Tuesday, November 5th, at 1 PM on the NJCAA Network.
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