BROCKPORT, N.Y.—The William Smith College volleyball team fell twice on Saturday to close out the Brockport Invite. The Herons fell to Hamilton College by a score of 3-0 followed by a 3-1 defeat to the University of Rochester.

William Smith started off the day with a strong showing against a talented Hamilton team. Although falling in three sets, the Herons hit .296 in the match. In the second match of the day, the Herons were held to a .117 hitting percentage compared to the Rochester's .198. 
 
MATCH MOMENTS:
 
Match 1 (Hamilton College):

• The first set started off hot with strong performances by both teams. The back-and-forth action was led by sophomore Elizaveta Telepova and first-year Hope Von Dohlen who both recorded six kills on the match. The Herons eventually fell 27-25 in set one.
• The Continentals came out swinging in set two as they hit .588 compared to the Herons .231. The strong offense of Hamilton was met by impressive defensive efforts by the Herons which was led by first-years Cydney Fernandez and Paige Madison who combined for 13 digs and four aces in the match.
• The Herons tried to fight back in set three but eventually fell 25-20 to the Continentals.
   

Match 2 (University of Rochester):

• William Smith turned up the heat to start off their second match of the day. First-year Malya Sayre led the Heron offense with 14 kills in the match. Not far behind was Van Dohlen with 11 kills and Telepova with seven.
• The Yellowjackets responded with an impressive set two, hitting .318 compared to the Herons .238. which led to a 25-17 win over William Smith.
• Set three was a back-and-forth battle ending 25-23 in favor of the Yellowjackets. Sophomore Elaina Wamhoff played a complete match recording 32 assists, four kills and one ace.
• Rochester ended the match with a 25-12 win in set four despite defensive efforts from Sayre, Fernandez and sophomore Ariana Angus who combined for 27 digs.

 
COACHES CORNER:
 
"We learned a lot about our team this weekend," Head Coach Derryk Williams said. "The best thing about playing against tough opponents is the opportunity for growth. We learned that when we are in our groove, we are very talented. Now as a team, we must work to find that on a more consistent basis. We are really excited to get back in the gym this week and continue to improve!"

 
UP NEXT:
 
William Smith will travel to Hartwick College on Friday, Sept. 16 as they take on the Hawks at 4 p.m. They will then play a double header against Alfred State and Morrisville State on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Hartwick.