Brockport can’t conquer Empire State volleyball

By Jim Krencik
SPORTS EDITOR

Photo by Nick Seratta, SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER Shae Gilmore (5) was one of three Golden Eagles names to the All-New York State team.

The SUNY Brockport volleyball team came within one game of a state championship, but the Golden Eagles could not defeat Ithaca for the second time this season, falling 3-1 in the New York State Women’s Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA) Tournament after beating the Rochester Institute of Technology and New York University to advance to the final.

In the championship match, Brockport (21-14) won the first game by a 30-25 score. Ithaca responded by winning the second game 30-25 and the third game 30-27. With the Golden Eagles needing a win to stay alive, the Bombers overcame Brockport’s final charge in a 31-29 win in the fourth game. Freshman Tracy Henry led Brockport with a season-high 21 kills and senior Kaylen Fessette handed out 57 assists in the final.

The Golden Eagles advanced to the final by sweeping regional rival RIT 3-0 in the semifinal round. Brockport won by a 32-30, 30-22 and 30-20 score. Senior Bethany Ortmann led Brockport with 16 kills while fellow senior Shae Gilmore added 15 kills and Fessette added 40 assists. Bethany Schlegel had 17 digs and Hilary Dank added 20 digs and three blocks.

Brockport opened the tournament with a close win over the host school. The Golden Eagles won the first game 30-27 before dropping game two 30-18 and game three 30-26. Brockport rallied to tie the match with a 30-23 score in the fourth game and won with a 15-12 score in the deciding game.

Fessette and Ortmann were named to both the All-Tournament team and All-State First-Team. Gilmore was named to the Honorable Mention All-State Team.

The Golden Eagles continue postseason play with an appearance in the SUNYAC Tournament. Brockport will play the winner of a play-in game between Oneonta and Potsdam Thursday, Nov. 1.