Spartans Lose Tough Home Match to Red Barons

A spirited effort by Cayuga Community College Volleyball wasn't quite enough for the Spartans to keep pace with Corning Community College on Thursday.

Playing the Red Barons for the second time this season, Cayuga played well but lost in straight sets by scores of 25-15, 25-18 and 25-18. The Spartans previously lost to Corning in straight sets on the opening weekend of the season.

Cayuga Coach Kiana Younis said the team's performance Thursday showed definite improvement from its past several matches.

"We had a great practice yesterday, so I think we were more focused on our individual performances and also how we played as a team," she said. "Our digs were very good tonight. We were moving our feet and diving for the ball. We can keep working on our communication, but tonight was definitely a step forward."

Statistical leaders for the Spartans on Thursday were Zoe DeRousie with 16 digs, Paige Lane with eight kills, and Marrin Owens with one ace and 11 assists.

Cayuga is back on the road Saturday for a pod tournament at SUNY Adirondack. Their first match is against the Timberwolves at 9 a.m., with their second match coming later in the day against Hudson Valley Community College.