Women's Volleyball Soars to #4 in National Rankings

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College women's volleyball team started their season off on the right foot when they traveled to Dutchess Community College this past weekend to take on a pair of nationally ranked opponents.

The Lakers first of two matches on the day was against the Monroe College - Bronx Express. The two teams would go back-and-forth in an instant classic that went to a fifth and final deciding set. The Lakers would prevail, defeating the #9 Express, 3-2. The match was followed by the biggest test for the Lakers that day, faced against the #6 Dutchess Community College Falcons.

The Lakers would prove their worth in the national rankings, coasting to 3-1 win in the match, completing the upset and sweep on the day against nationally ranked opponents. Thanks to strong play from several student-athletes including Payton Stoddard (Bloomfield, N.Y./ Bloomfield), Michelina Williams (Fairport, N.Y./ Fairport), Leah Williams (Olean, N.Y./ Olean), Brooke DeGroff (Castile, N.Y./ Letchworth), Jordan Winton (Sherburne, N.Y./ Sherburne-Earlville), Bridget Miller (Seneca Falls, N.Y./ Mynderse), Kiane Wells (Webster, N.Y./ Webster Thomas).

Thanks to their strong efforts, the Lakers have soared in the recent NJCAA Division III women's volleyball rankings to #4 in the country; the highest national ranking in program history. The Lakers open up at home today against the Onondaga Community College at 6 PM in the Putt Moore Gymnasium. The game marks their first NJCAA Region III matchup of the season as well as a Mid-State Athletic Conference matchup.

Keep up with Finger Lakes Community College Athletics by visiting flccathletics.com for all your scores, stories, photos, highlights, and more. Follow the Lakers on social media @flccathletics on Facebook and Twitter, and @flcclakers on Instagram.