William Smith volleyball continued its strong start to Liberty League play Saturday afternoon, sweeping Clarkson 25-17, 25-20, 25-22 at Alumni Gymnasium. The Herons improved to 11-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play, while Clarkson fell to 12-3 and 2-1.
First-year Cassidy Breuer paced William Smith with 12 kills and 10 digs for her fourth double-double of the season. She also recorded two service aces and a block.
Maren Hunt added nine kills while hitting .353, and Emily Fulton contributed eight kills, 13 digs, two blocks and two aces. Arielle Newsome was especially efficient offensively, recording seven kills on 11 attacks without an error for a .636 hitting percentage.
The Herons controlled the match statistically, finishing with 39 kills compared with 34 for Clarkson. William Smith also held advantages in assists, 37-33, and digs, 55-50, while producing seven service aces to Clarkson’s two.
William Smith established control immediately in the opening set, limiting Clarkson to eight kills and seven hitting errors while building a 25-17 victory. The Golden Knights responded with their strongest offensive showing of the afternoon in the second set, recording 14 kills, but the Herons answered with 15 kills of their own to take the set 25-20.
The third set remained competitive, with both teams recording 12 kills, but William Smith closed out the sweep with a 25-22 victory.
Junior libero Kali Vanderhoof led all Herons with 16 digs, while junior setter Delainy Williams posted a match-high 35 assists and five digs.
William Smith will travel to St. John Fisher on Wednesday, October 7, for a 6 p.m. non-conference match.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.