Cobleskill, NY: In a spirited North Atlantic Conference Championship matchup at Iorio Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon, the SUNY Cobleskill women's volleyball team opened with a strong first set against Maine Maritime Academy, claiming a hard-fought 26-24 win. However, the Mariners responded with a surge to capture the next three sets, securing a 3-1 victory and claiming the NAC title.
 
Hallie Gasner (Middleburgh, NY) led Cobleskill's attack with six kills and added a block, while Emma Hinze (Altenburg, Mo./Saxony Lutheran) contributed four kills and five digs. Setter Baylee Kirschberg (Lindenhurst, NY) recorded 16 assists, 10 digs, and two service aces, showcasing her versatility in both setting and defensive roles. First-year middle blocker Ciarra Jager (Stephentown, NY/New Lebanon) made her mark with four kills and three blocks, and Kathleen Smart (Nashville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II Prep) added three kills and an ace. Libero Jojo Haycock (Bowie, Md.) anchored the back row with six digs.
 
The Tigers faced challenges offensively, finishing with a team hitting percentage of -.088, while the Mariners delivered a more efficient .277. Maine Maritime's Sydney Williams and Sam Urch each posted 11 kills, while Ally Hadley added another 11 kills on a .300 hitting percentage along with 16 assists. The Mariners also showcased a strong serving game, registering 10 aces to Cobleskill's four.
 
Cobleskill opened the match with an intense first set, rallying from an early deficit with a 5-0 run fueled by kills from Jager and Hinze to secure a 10-8 lead. Maine Maritime countered with a 5-0 run of their own, making for a back-and-forth battle. A kill from Gasner, assisted by Ashley Wright, sparked another Cobleskill run, eventually giving the Tigers a slim 19-17 edge. Despite Maine Maritime regaining a late lead at 23-21, Cobleskill battled back to tie it at 24-24, ultimately winning the set on two Maine Maritime errors.
 
However, the Mariners quickly regrouped and displayed the experience that has earned them six NAC titles in seven years, decisively taking the final three sets (25-12, 25-11, 25-7). In the second set, Maine Maritime opened with a 15-5 lead and maintained control, while the third set saw a 10-1 start that proved too much for Cobleskill to overcome. In the fourth and final set, the Mariners dominated from the outset with a 17-4 lead, clinching the championship with a 25-7 score.
 
Despite the outcome, Cobleskill had two players honored on the 2024 NAC Women's Volleyball All-Tournament Team: setter Baylee Kirschberg and libero Jojo Haycock, both sophomores, recognized for their standout performances.
 
The Fighting Tigers' season concludes on a high note, showcasing their resilience and growth with this strong tournament run.