Cayuga Community College volleyball twice fought back from two-set deficits over the weekend, but the Spartans could not complete either comeback as they suffered a pair of five-set losses in their home pod.
Cayuga dropped the opening two sets against Herkimer College before turning the match around and forcing a deciding fifth set. The Spartans won the third and fourth sets by identical 25-23 scores, but Herkimer answered in the final set to hand Cayuga a 3-2 loss.
The Spartans faced a similar challenge later against Mohawk Valley Community College. After falling in the first two sets, Cayuga again rallied to extend the match to five. The Hawks ultimately ended the comeback attempt by taking the deciding set.
Cayuga coach Erica Shaffer praised her team for continuing to battle despite repeatedly finding itself in difficult positions.
“Being down by two sets in both games and taking each game to five sets showed the effort that each of them put in. Despite being down, they maintained positive energy and fought hard for all five sets in both matches,” she said.
Cayuga struggled to find its rhythm early against Herkimer, dropping the opening sets 25-11 and 25-13 before responding with consecutive 25-23 victories. The Spartans held an early advantage in the fifth set, but Herkimer rallied to win 15-11.
Against Mohawk Valley, Cayuga dropped the first two sets 25-19 and 25-17 before answering with wins of 25-20 and 25-22. Mohawk Valley controlled the deciding set, winning 15-8.
Jillian Tandle led Cayuga with 16 kills. Queenie King added 10 kills and 13 digs, while Emma Welser recorded nine kills and 16 digs. Yanellie Gamez contributed seven aces and 16 assists.
Cayuga returns home Tuesday, September 8, to face SUNY Broome at 6 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.