William Smith volleyball added two more victories to its season total Saturday, sweeping Centenary (New Jersey) before rallying past host William Paterson in a five-set thriller at the William Paterson Tournament.
The Herons improved to 5-1 with the pair of wins, getting major contributions throughout the lineup. First-year Cassidy Breuer led the way with 29 kills, 16 digs, two blocks and two service aces across the two matches, while junior Emily Fulton recorded 27 kills, 28 digs, six aces and three blocks. Fulton posted double-doubles in both matches.
Junior Arielle Newsome contributed 12 kills and eight blocks, while senior Maren Hunt added 11 kills and four blocks. First-year Senya Dorny finished with 11 kills, eight digs and five blocks.
William Smith opened the day with a straight-set victory over Centenary, controlling all three sets. Breuer paced the offense with 11 kills, while Fulton added 10 and Dorny had eight. The Herons closed out the match with a 25-11 third-set victory.
The afternoon finale against William Paterson required a much different effort. After dropping the opening set, William Smith answered by winning the second set behind an 11-0 scoring run. The Pioneers regained the lead in the third, but the Herons dominated the fourth set to force a deciding fifth.
Neither team could pull away in the final set before William Smith secured the match in extra points. After a William Paterson hitting error, Fulton delivered the decisive kill to give the Herons the victory.
Junior libero Kali Vanderhoof anchored the defense with 56 digs across the two matches, including a career-high 40 against William Paterson. She also recorded six service aces in the five-set victory.
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
William Smith returns to action Friday, September 18, against Brandeis at 6 p.m. in the 2026 New England Classic in Massachusetts.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.