Lakers Dominate with Two More Sweeps as Stoddard Ties Career Assist Record

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UTICA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College women's volleyball team extended their remarkable run, earning two more 3-0 sweeps against Mohawk Valley Community College (25-1, 25-5, 25-5) and Herkimer College (25-20, 25-14, 28-26). The Lakers, now 18-2, have won 17 consecutive matches, and impressively swept 10 straight opponents. In a thrilling third set against Herkimer, the Lakers came back from a 22-13 deficit to win in thrilling fashion, 28-26.

Sophomore setter Payton Stoddard (Bloomfield, N.Y./Bloomfield) continued her stellar season, dishing out 43 total assists over both matches, bringing her career total to 1284, which ties the all-time career assist record at Finger Lakes set by Aubrey Davis from 2014-15. With several matches left, she's remains on track to break the record. Stoddard also added 16 service aces across the two matches, providing crucial contributions from the service line.

The Lakers' offense was fueled by balanced contributions, with Anna Kurtzhalts (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island) and Mary Pierce (Vestal, N.Y./Vestal) delivering key kills in both contests. Kurtzhalts finished with 10 total kills and Jackie Neureuter (Pembroke, N.Y./Pembroke) added 7 kills and 5 service aces to bolster the attack. Vivien Libby (Penn Yan, N.Y./Penn Yan) and Molly Goulette (Newark, N.Y./Newark) made their presence felt defensively, as Michelina Williams (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) anchored the back row with steady serve-receive and defense.

The Lakers look to continue their historic season, riding the momentum of their dominant streak, as they prepare for a four-game homestand beginning next Tuesday, October 8th against SUNY Broome when they will also celebrate sophomore day.