Goldstein Records 1,000 Career Kill
ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College volleyball team made its long-awaited return home on Tuesday evening when it welcomed SUNY Oneonta to Ben Light Gymnasium for the team's first home match in the month of October. Although the Red Dragons did not make things easy for the Bombers, IC showed strong resolve in a thrilling come-from-behind five-set victory to notch its 20
th victory over the season.
"I am unbelievably proud of the team for the fight and resiliency that they once again showed tonight," head coach
Johan Dulfer exclaimed. "Oneonta gave us a great battle and we found a way to get the job done under some tough circumstances."
For the second time over the past three matches, the Bombers found themselves trailing through three sets, needing to win their final two sets to secure a victory. Just like against Wesleyan on Saturday, Ithaca answered the call with a barnstorming, 25-10, fourth set win and fantastic comeback in the decisive fifth set to take the match against the Red Dragons. The victory upped Ithaca's record to 3-1 in matches that have gone the full distance this season.
Leading the way for the Bombers on attack was Joelle Goldstein who had a memorable night to say the least. She notched her team-leading ninth double-double of the season with 14 kills (.225 hitting percentage) and 11 digs, in the process reaching a career milestone with her 1,000
th career kill during the early portion of the second set.
Katie Evans was Ithaca's other double-digit attacker, finishing with 10 kills. Freshman,
Taylor McCarthy, and junior,
Caroline Gerulskis, each added eight kills. Sophomore,
Amanda Cerruti, chipped in five kills, while Ruby Dyson added three rally finishes.
Junior setter,
Kayla Gromen, had an excellent match, scoring a double-double with 25 assists and 11 digs. Caitlyn Floyd chipped in all over the stat sheet with 17 helpers, eight kills on an outstanding .636 hitting mark, and five digs.
"Our setters really had a great match," Dulfer added. "Oneonta really made things tough for them, but they elevated their game when it mattered down the stretch and really paved the way for the comeback."
Tara Stilwell finished with a team-leading 17 digs, adding five assists and two service aces. Senior,
Myan Idziur, chipped in one service ace and two assists, while Wierda ended the match with two service aces.