A Quick Look
For the first time since 2016, the SUNY Oneonta volleyball team defeated New Paltz in SUNYAC action. After dropping the first set 25-17, the Red Dragons won the next three by scores of 25-22, 25-18 and 25-20.

The Inside Story
In the second set, New Paltz jumped out to an early 11-3 with a 9-0 run. Trailing 13-5, Oneonta mounted a comeback with a 9-1 run, knotting the set at 14-14. After New Paltz took a 16-14 lead, Jessica Fowler (Burnt Hills/Burnt Hills) fed Gillian Stieglitz (Montrose/Hendrick Hudson) for a kill, propelling the Red Dragons on an 8-0 run. A pair of Clara Culeton (Oswego/Oswego) kills and a New Paltz error tied the match at 1-1.

In the third set, the Hawks once again jumped out to an early lead. Trailing 10-6, Gillian Stieglitz (Montrose/Hendrick Hudson) pulled Oneonta within striking distance with a pair of kills along with a New Paltz error. With New Paltz clinging to an 11-10 advantage, Clara Culeton (Oswego/Oswego) and Gillian Stieglitz (Montrose/Hendrick Hudson) had back-to-back kills to give Oneonta a 12-11 lead. The Red Dragons held the lead for the remainder of the set, capping it off with a 4-0 run with Lindsay Pelaccio (Verplanck/Hendrick Hudson) at the service.

In the fourth set, the Red Dragons trailed 4-2 early on before going on a 6-1 run. The Hawks pulled within one on four different occasions, but Oneonta refused to give in. A pair of Kathryn Johnston (Altamont/Guilderland) service aces ended the set and the game for Oneonta.

"We are incredibly proud of how our team performed tonight", said Head Coach Ashley Coyle. "We had a bit of a slow start but found our rhythm in the second set and built our momentum from there. Although we are very excited for this great start in conference play, we know we have other battles that we will fight in the SUNYAC. We will take this opportunity to rejoice in our victory, but we know that this is just the beginning for Oneonta Volleyball!"

Just the Stats
Gillian Stieglitz (Montrose/Hendrick Hudson) paced Oneonta with a match-high 16 kills. Clara Culeton (Oswego/Oswego) controlled the net, collecting seven blocks along with eight kills. Victoria Moulder (Wantagh/Kellenberg Memorial) chipped in with ten kills and two blocks. Kathryn Johnson finished with nine kills and 12 digs. Jessica Fowler (Burnt Hills/Burnt Hills) dished out 41 assists while Lindsay Pelaccio (Verplanck/Hendrick Hudson) had 23 digs.

What's Next
The Red Dragons return to action on Friday, September 20^th when they battle Elms College at the Sage College Tournament at 6:00pm.