The lone senior leads the way to victory

Women’s volleyball wins on Senior Day

Photo courtesy of Geneseo Knights

After a thrilling five-set battle on Senior Day, the SUNY Geneseo women’s volleyball team defeated Alfred University 3–2, closing out their home schedule with an emotional win and celebrating senior setter Carolyn Mack.

The SUNY Geneseo women’s volleyball team celebrated an emotional and exciting Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, with a hard-fought win over Alfred University. The Knights battled through five tough sets to come out on top, winning 3-2 in the Carl Schrader Gymnasium. It was a special day for the team’s only senior, setter Carolyn Mack, who helped lead her teammates to victory in her final home game. 

Before the match began, the team and fans took a moment to honor Mack for her dedication and leadership throughout her four years at Geneseo. Her family, friends, and teammates gathered to celebrate her career, and the gym was filled with applause as her name was announced. Mack has been a key part of the team since her first year, known for her strong setting and ability to bring the team together in intense moments. 

Saturday’s game was her last time playing at home, and she made it count. Mack finished the match with 28 assists, helping her teammates find scoring opportunities all afternoon. Her energy and confidence on the court kept the team focused, especially when things got tough. 

The game opened with plenty of energy from both teams. Alfred University came out strong, taking the first set 25–20, but the Knights refused to back down. In the second set, Geneseo started fast with a 10–0 lead thanks to sharp serves and aggressive play at the net. Although Alfred fought back, the Knights held on to win the set 25–23. 

The momentum carried into the third set, where Geneseo looked confident and controlled. They played excellent defense and finished off the set 25–16, taking a 2–1 lead in the match. However, Alfred responded again, tightening up their defense and winning the fourth set 25–22, which forced a fifth and deciding set.

The gym was loud and tense as the teams traded points in the final set. Every serve and dig mattered. Mack continued to set up her hitters perfectly, and the Knights played with determination. In the end, Geneseo pulled ahead and won the fifth set 15–13, finishing the match with a well-deserved victory. When the final point was scored, the players rushed the court, cheering and hugging their senior leader. 

While the day belonged to Mack, several other Knights had very impressive performances. Sophomore outside hitter Kate Barba led the offense with 17 kills and a .292 hitting percentage, helping Geneseo score key points. Sophomore middle blocker Ayla Pas’cal added 10 kills and a team-best six solo blocks, using her height and timing to shut down Alfred’s attacks at the net. 

Defensively, junior defensive specialist Zooey Gagnier stood out with 14 digs, and sophomore defensive specialist McKenna Callari added 13, both making crucial saves to keep the ball in play. The teamwork on defense kept the Knights alive in several long rallies and allowed the offense to finish the job.

The victory pushed Geneseo’s overall record to 13–10 and 6–3 in the Empire 8 conference. But this win meant much more than just numbers in the standings—it was a reflection of the team’s resilience and heart. Coming back after losing sets while keeping their focus in the final moments showed how much the Knights have grown throughout the season. 

Coach and players alike praised Mack’s leadership after the game. Her ability to stay calm, encourage her teammates, and make smart plays has been a big part of Geneseo’s success. For younger players, watching Mack lead by example has set the standard for the program’s future. 

With Senior Day now behind them, the Knights will prepare for their next home match on Friday, Oct. 31 against Hartwick College. The team hopes to use the momentum from this emotional win to finish the season strong and make a push in the conference tournament. 

For Carolyn Mack, Saturday’s game was a day she will never forget. It was the perfect way to close out her home career, surrounded by teammates, fans, and family celebrating her time as a Knight. The win symbolized everything the Geneseo volleyball program stands for: teamwork, perseverance, and pride.