Alfred, NY — The Alfred State women's volleyball team delivered a sweep in their home-opener matchup against the Soaring Eagles of Elmira, winning 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-15). With the victory, Alfred State improves to 8-5 overall.

Gloria Stem had a notable performance, registering 13 kills and nine digs with only one error. Alayna Tomlinson followed with nine kills, 11 digs, and three aces. Gabriella Thurmond orchestrated the offense with 31 assists. Erin Gregoire and Thurmond also tallied two blocks apiece.

The first set started relatively competitive as both teams traded points. Alfred began to settle into their offense after Gregoire notched a kill off an assist from Thurmond, giving the Pioneers an 8-6 lead. Shortly after, a kill from Tomlinson and an ace from Thurmond extended the lead. The Pioneers continued to build momentum. Alli Hillyard contributed with a kill to bring the score to 13-8, followed immediately by a service ace from Tomlinson. Alfred State took the set 25-13 after two consecutive attack errors by Elmira.

Alfred's momentum carried into the second set as they got out to an early lead. Hillyard, Stem, and Thurmond each registered three kills, helping the Pioneers build a 7-2 advantage. Ava Wickes delivered a service ace shortly after. Pios continued to dominate, with Tomlinson and Stem delivering more kills against Elmira's defense. ASC never looked back and won the set 25-15.

In the third set, the Pioneers never trailed, maintaining the lead for much of the set. Alfred held a 6-3 lead after Tomlinson and Carmen Crowley rallied together on offense. Crowley went on to register three more kills in the set. The Pioneers later extended their lead to 19-9 after Wickes delivered an ace. Thurmond registered a block to close out the set 25-15 and secure the 3-0 victory.

The Pioneers will travel to Oneonta, NY, next to face the Hawks of Hartwick College and the Utica University Pioneers in a tri-match. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 4th.