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Cobleskill Volleyball Earns Fifth Seed in NAC Tournament

11/6/2025 3:49:00 PM

Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill women's volleyball team has earned the fifth seed in the 2025 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Women's Volleyball Tournament and will face fourth-seeded Thomas College in the opening round on Saturday, November 8.

This marks the fifth consecutive postseason appearance for the Fighting Tigers, who battled through a competitive NAC schedule to secure their spot in the tournament field. Cobleskill finished the regular season at 8-16 overall and 4-4 in conference play. The Tigers found their rhythm late in the year, winning six of their final eight matches. Thomas finished just ahead of Cobleskill in the standings, and the two teams met earlier this season, with the Terriers earning a 3-1 victory (25-23, 8-25, 26-28, 23-25).

Head Coach Rachel Chandler praised her team's growth and determination throughout the season.

"This season was a journey of growth and development as a program," said Chandler. "While the results weren't always what we hoped for, this group never gave up. We had a strong second half of the season and built momentum heading into the postseason. The middle of the pack really battled this year in the NAC, and we're excited to have another opportunity to play Thomas. We plan on taking what we learned from last postseason and throughout this year to put out our very best."

Cobleskill will be led by its veteran junior core of Emma Hinze (Altenburg, Mo.), Kathleen Smart (Nashville, Tenn.), Jojo Haycock (Bowie, Md.), Hallie Gasner (Middleburgh, N.Y.), and Baylee Kirschberg (Lindenhurst, N.Y.). Hinze has turned in an impressive season, leading the Tigers in nearly every statistical category, including points (268.0), kills (201), digs (224), service aces (46), blocks (33), and matches started (24). Smart and Haycock have anchored the defense with consistent play in the back row, while Gasner, Kirschberg and Jade Ward (Miami, FL) have been key contributors in setting up the attack and keeping Cobleskill's offense balanced.

"Emma Hinze and Hal Gasner have been the core of our offense, and I'm excited to see them continue to make an impact," Chandler added. "Kat and Jojo have anchored our defense down the stretch, and their consistency has been a big part of our success."

The winner of Saturday's first-round matchup will advance to face top-seeded Maine Maritime Academy on Sunday, November 9, in Castine, Maine.

For more tournament information, please visit the NAC Championship Page.

SEEDING:

Maine Maritime Academy (1.000 NAC)
Husson University (.875 NAC)
SUNY Delhi (.625 NAC)
Thomas College (.625 NAC)
SUNY Cobleskill (.500 NAC)
UMaine-Presque Isle (.375 NAC)

*SUNY Delhi earned the #2 seed via NAC women's volleyball guidelines tiebreaker #1: Head-to-head results.
*UMaine-Presque Isle secured the #6 seed via NAC women's volleyball guidelines tiebreaker #1: Head-to-head results.

2025 NAC Women's Volleyball Tournament Schedule:

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Quarterfinals

Game 1: #6 UMaine-Presque Isle vs #3 SUNY Delhi (at #2 Husson University)
Game 2: #5 SUNY Cobleskill vs #4 Thomas College (at #1 Maine Maritime Academy)

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025
Semifinals