Keuka College women’s volleyball was unable to overcome Alfred State’s strong stretches of play Wednesday evening, falling to the Pioneers in three sets during a non-conference matchup.
The Wolves dropped the opening set 25-19 before Alfred State took the second 25-15 and completed the sweep with another 25-19 victory in the third. Keuka fell to 2-4 on the season with the loss.
Keuka started the match quickly, taking the first three points of the opening set. Alessandra Castañeda capped the early run with an ace, but Alfred State responded by tying the set at 5-5. The Pioneers then scored eight of the next nine points to build a five-point advantage. Keuka trimmed the deficit but could not complete the comeback.
Alfred State again created separation early in the second set, racing to a 10-3 lead. The Wolves made a late push behind Jaylyn Knight’s serve, with the transfer recording two aces during the rally, but the Pioneers closed out the set.
The third set remained competitive in the early stages as the teams traded points. Alfred State eventually gained some breathing room and, with a 18-16 lead, scored five consecutive points to put the match out of reach. Castañeda answered with two kills for Keuka, but the Pioneers finished the sweep with a 25-19 third-set win.
Gabby Rodriguez paced the Wolves defensively with 10 digs, bringing her career total to 862 and moving her into ninth place on Keuka’s career digs list. Nina Scott led Keuka offensively with eight kills, while Summer Elza finished with eight assists.
Keuka is now 1-9 all-time against Alfred State and has lost the last three meetings.
The Wolves remain on the road Saturday for a tri-match at SUNY Delhi, beginning against the host Broncos before facing Hamilton College.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.