Delhi, NY: The SUNY Cobleskill women's volleyball team pulled off a thrilling five-set victory over top-seeded SUNY Delhi on Sunday, capturing the NAC West Division Championship in a hard-fought battle (20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12). The win not only earned Cobleskill the division title but also secured their place in the NAC Championship.

Cobleskill's offense was driven by Emma Hinze (Altenburg, Mo/Saxony Lutheran) and Kathleen Smart (Nashville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II Prep), who combined for 25 kills. Hinze recorded 13 kills, 9 digs, and 2 aces, while Smart added 12 kills, a team-high 22 digs, and 3 aces, keeping the Tigers strong at the net and on defense. Setter Baylee Kirschberg (Lindenhurst, NY) orchestrated the attack with 33 assists and contributed 14 digs and a crucial service ace in the fifth set. Hallie Gasner (Middleburgh, NY) chipped in nine kills and led with four service aces, bringing energy that swung key points in Cobleskill's favor. Ciarra Jager (Stephentown, NY/New Lebanon) added five kills and three blocks, while libero Jojo Haycock (Bowie, Md) anchored the defense with six digs.

In a closely matched showdown, Cobleskill and Delhi went point-for-point. Cobleskill's 10 service aces outmatched Delhi's seven, creating pressure in crucial rotations. Both teams tallied 84 digs, showing impressive grit on each side of the court. Cobleskill's attack percentage of .088 was slightly lower than Delhi's .141, as Delhi led in kills, 54 to 45. However, Cobleskill minimized errors when it mattered most, especially in the final set, where they hit an efficient .333 compared to Delhi's .174.

Delhi claimed the first set with a pivotal 10-2 run that put them ahead 15-9. Although Cobleskill stopped the run with a Jager kill assisted by Kirschberg and made a push with a 3-0 rally fueled by back-to-back kills from Hinze, Delhi held on to take the set 25-20.

Cobleskill answered back in the second set, jumping out to a 14-10 lead after a powerful spike from Gasner. The Tigers hit their stride, transitioning seamlessly from defense to offense and building an 18-12 lead on kills by Smart and Jager. Delhi pulled within two points at 23-21, but Cobleskill closed the door, taking the set 25-21 after two Delhi errors.

The third set saw Delhi race to a 10-3 lead. Cobleskill responded with a remarkable 14-1 run, fueled by eight Delhi errors, and seized control with a 17-11 lead. The set remained close, but with the score at 24-23, Hinze hammered down a kill, set by Kirschberg, to clinch a 25-23 win for Cobleskill.

Delhi bounced back to take the fourth set 25-18, fueled by well-timed kills from Finley Benn.

In the fifth and deciding set, Delhi took a 10-8 lead with a 4-0 run, putting them within reach of the championship. However, Cobleskill's young team showcased maturity and composure, rallying with three straight points, including a Hinze kill and a clutch service ace by Kirschberg, to move ahead 11-10. The Tigers pressed forward with key kills from Hinze, Smart, and Gasner to build a 14-11 lead. Gasner's final kill sealed the 15-12 victory and clinched the NAC West Division title for Cobleskill.

The Tigers advance to face NAC East Division Champions Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday, November 16, in the NAC Championship, hosted at SUNY Cobleskill.