POTSDAM, N.Y. – The College at Brockport stepped onto the Clarkson University Alumni Gymnasium Friday afternoon and proudly represented the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) with a convincing 3-0 win over Framingham State behind a potent Golden Eagle attack during the first round of the NCAA New York Regional Tournament.
Brockport (34-1 Overall) had four players hit at a .300 percentage or better as middle blockers Ashley Capone and Brianna Richardson hit .500 without a single error on the match. The Golden Eagles won in straight sets by the scores of 25-19, 25-21 and 25-22.
After taking a 2 games to zero lead, Brockport trailed 20-17 in the third set before head coach Steve Pike called a timeout to help compose the team. The Green and Gold refocused and found its form scoring the next three points to tie the score. SUNYAC player of the year, Kayla Barber scored the first point with one of her 17 kills on the match.
Noelle Poloncarz followed the kill with a serve that the Rams were unable to handle, trimming the Framingham lead to 20-19. Jamie Schlesinger proceeded to even the score on a kill set up by Poloncarz.
A Golden Eagle error only disrupted Brockport's momentum momentarily as the team scored five of the next six points for the win. If there was a most valuable player award given per set, Brockport's Capone would likely have received it as she dominated down the stretch. The Lowville, N.Y. native scored four of the Golden Eagles final five points on kills including the match clinching point. She sent a powerful swing down on a quick pass from Poloncarz to cause an eruption from the Golden Eagle faithful that made the road trip.
Poloncarz led the potent Golden Eagle attack with a ridiculous 51 assists. Barber led the team with 17 kills while Capone added 12 and Sam Holdredge added 11 more. Schlesinger added eight kills with only a single error.
Also playing a big role in Brockport's victory was the serving ace discrepancy. The Golden Eagles doubled the Rams total, finishing with eight altogether behind Rachel Fiser and Barber's three service aces apiece.
Kathleen Irwin utilized cat-like reflexes to spring into position for 21 digs, leading the Green and Gold defensive side while Holdredge topped double digits with 12 digs herself. Irwin made several point saving digs throughout the match. Capone totaled two blocks on the match, both of the solo variety.
Brockport advances to face Springfield Saturday Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. at host institution Clarkson University. Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page.
