Lakers Win Conference Tournament

CORNING, NY-- The Finger Lakes volleyball team upset #10 ranked Corning Community College in the semi-finals and defeated Jefferson Community College in the finals to win the second Mid-State Athletic Conference Tournament in school history. Finger Lakes freshman outside hitter Ryenn Smith was named Tournament MVP. The win against Corning is the first win in school history against a ranked opponent, previously the Lakers were 0-11.

The Lakers beat the Corning Red Barons in the semi-final round in four sets (25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-21). Ryenn Smith had 16 kills and 14 digs. Courtney Bradish was right behind her with 15 kills and 7 digs. Jessie Blumenfeld had 34 assists, 3 aces and 13 digs. Mary Beth Schram had a solid defensive performance as well contributing 13 digs.

In the finals, the Lakers won in three (25-19, 25-22, 25-19) defeating the Jefferson Cannoneers. This match up marked the sixth time this season the Lakers and Cannoneers faced off against one another. Ryenn Smith led attackers and defenders with 20 kills and 13 digs. Courtney Bradish and Ali Drier contributed 10 and 7 kills respectively. Jessie Blumenfeld had a repeat performance with 34 assists and 8 aces. Blumenfeld now has the program records for most assists and most aces in a season.

"I am so proud of our team and the perserverance we showed today, it was a total team effort," said head coach Matt Barr

The Lakers will compete this upcoming weekend at the Regional Tournament hosted by Niagara County Community College. On Saturday, 11/2 the Lakers will go up against Jamestown Community College, Herkimer County Community College, and SUNY Adirondack during the pool play round. The top two teams in each pool will advance. The semi-finals and finals will be played on Sunday, 11/3.