William Smith volleyball opened its 2026 season with a convincing home victory, sweeping SUNY Geneseo in three sets Friday night at Bristol Gymnasium.
The Herons controlled the match from start to finish, winning 25-14, 25-12 and 25-16 to begin the season 1-0. William Smith finished with 39 kills and a .284 hitting percentage, while limiting Geneseo to 18 kills and a -.044 hitting percentage.
First-year Cassidy Breuer made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut, leading all players with 12 kills while adding seven digs and a block. Emily Fulton recorded 10 kills while hitting .318, along with six digs, one block and one service ace.
Arielle Newsome was particularly effective in the middle, recording six kills on a .500 hitting percentage while leading the Herons with seven blocks.
William Smith established control early, recording 14 kills in the opening set while Fulton accounted for five kills on six attacks. The Herons carried that momentum into the second set, where Breuer led the attack with five kills and Kali Vanderhoof recorded three service aces.
The Herons closed out the sweep with another strong offensive showing in the third set, producing 13 kills while forcing Geneseo into difficult situations with their serving.
Jayden Hanson and Delainy Williams split setting duties, finishing with 19 and 12 assists, respectively. Hanson also recorded 11 digs for her first double-double of the season, while Vanderhoof matched her with 11 digs.
William Smith’s nine blocks were led by Newsome’s seven, while the Herons also held a 48-31 advantage in digs.
“Tonight was an excellent way to kick off the season,” head coach Derryk Williams said. “From top to bottom, I was really pleased with the way we played the game.”
William Smith continues the Heron Invitational Saturday against Oswego State at 1:30 p.m. at Bristol Gymnasium.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.