Elmira Falls to Panthers in Season Opener
The Elmira women's volleyball team (0-1) looked for their fifth consecutive win over the Panthers of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (3-2), but unfortunately the Soaring Eagles came up short as they fell at home in the 2014 season opener, 3-0. Elmira's Amanda Blinkinsop '16 was the only Soaring Eagle with double-digit kills as she led the way with 10.
Elmira found themselves down big early in the first set, trailing the Panthers 13-7 but would rally late in the set, evening things up at 21 apiece. Pitt-Bradford would win four of the final five points to claim the set 25-22.
The second set was a much closer affair as Pitt-Bradford clung to a one point lead for the majority of the set. Late in the set at 21-21, the Soaring Eagles looked to be in the driver's seat as
Paola Ortiz '16 stepped up to the line to serve the next point, only to see that serve find its way into the net for a service error. Then, on Pitt-Bradford's next two service points, a pair of difficult serves resulted in a pair of Panther aces, giving Pitt-Bradford a commanding 24-21 lead which would eventually turn into a 25-23 win and a 2-0 edge in the match.
Elmira looked to rally in the third but a 21-13 deficit proved to be too much for the Soaring Eagles to overcome as the Purple and Gold fell in the set, 25-19. With tonight's loss, Elmira is now 11-3 in their last 14 season openers, with two of those losses coming at the hands of the Panthers.
Sami Hanes '16 orchestrated Elmira's offense beautifully tonight as she opened the 2014 season right where she left off in 2013, recording 26 assists. However, the real highlight tonight for the Soaring Eagles was the play of Blinkinsop, who in addition to putting away10 attacks, also registered five digs and three aces. Also having a standout night for Elmira was libero
Kelsey Ross '16 who had 12 digs, three aces, and two assists.
The Soaring Eagles will look to rebound this weekend as Elmira travels to nearby Rochester, NY to compete in the University of Rochester Tournament. EC opens tournament play against Penn State Behrend on Friday, September 5th at 4:00 p.m.