Cornell volleyball began its 2026 season in strong fashion Friday night, sweeping Howard in three sets at Newman Arena during the opening match of the Cornell Invitational.
The Big Red overcame a competitive first set before taking control of the match, winning 25-23, 25-13 and 25-18. Cornell finished the night hitting .261 as a team while limiting Howard to a .067 hitting percentage.
Ava Bogan paced Cornell with an efficient performance, recording nine kills on 14 attacks without an error while hitting .643. She also led the Big Red with seven total blocks.
Mackenzie Parsons contributed 10 kills, nine digs and four blocks while hitting .318. Jaida Sione added six kills while hitting .455, including the match-clinching kill in the third set.
Freshman Ellery Williamson also made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut. She played all three sets and finished with seven kills and six digs. Mary Wolcott directed the offense with 17 assists, while Sara Poma recorded six digs and five assists.
Cornell trailed 15-12 in the opening set before battling back and eventually taking a 22-21 lead. Bogan’s kill put the Big Red within one point of the set, and a Howard error gave Cornell the early advantage.
The second set was much more decisive. With the score tied at 8-8, Cornell scored seven consecutive points to take control and never looked back.
Howard briefly pulled ahead 11-10 in the third set, but Cornell answered with five straight points. The Big Red then closed the match by scoring five of the final six points.
Cornell returns to action Saturday at 11 a.m. against UAlbany at Newman Arena.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.