The Oswego State Volleyball team traveled to Rochester, N.Y. on Sept. 16 to take part in the RIT Invitational on Sept. 15 and 16. The Lakers faced off against Trine University and had back-to-back games against St. John Fisher University (SJFU) and University of Rochester. Despite some close hard fought matches, Oswego was unable to emerge with a victory. 

The Trine University Thunder bested the Lakers, taking all three sets 25-12, 25-15 and 25-21. In the third set Oswego edged ahead of the Thunder off of an attack error making the score 6-5. The Lakers kept things strong, benefitting from multiple errors from the other team and service aces by Cara Simplicio and Grace Taylor improving the score to 16-10. Trine stayed strong and won the set 25-21. Game leaders include Sydney Chiffriller, who had three kills and 13 digs and Simplicio with two kills, three aces and eight digs. 

Oswego likewise showed improvement in each set they played against the SJFU Cardinals, but fell in all three sets: 25-13, 25-18, and 25-21. They were lacking in much-needed kills in order to remain competitive. Leading the way for the Lakers overall for the second game were Chiffriller and Simplicio with five kills each, Taylor with three aces and Nyah Dias with 10 assists.  

The Lakers had a slow start to set one versus the University of Rochester Yellowjackets and were unable to mount a comeback. During the second set, Oswego kept a solid fight, never letting the point difference get greater than four, until the Yellowjackets pulled away for good. They ended the second set 25-17. After the yellowjackets scored six straight points making the score 16-8, they ran away with the game despite the Lakers’ solid effort. The final set score was 25-18. Simplicio and Farry had 4 kills each for the game and Chiffriller nine digs. 

Positivity is a huge part of this team, junior Cara Simplicio said. “The best part about being on a team with these girls is that you can make a mistake and someone is right there to pat you on the back and be like you’re good; you’re going to get the next pass and you’re going to do great,” Simplicio said.

Georgia Farry, a senior from Hamburg, NY echoed the sentiment of positive support from teammates. 

“We are still learning how to adjust and not lose the game for ourselves so to speak; we have a good support system,” Farry said

With the Lakers’ record sitting at 1-8, the team is still optimistic to return to the SUNYAC tournament. 

The team is hopeful going into the rest of the season and is eager for more wins under their belt. 

“Last year we were able to work really hard and make the SUNYAC playoffs and that was a really rewarding experience. I think currently, given our record, we kind of put ourselves in a tough spot. But I think it will be all the more rewarding to climb out of that,” Farry said.  

Simplicio adds that if the team gives it their all that’s what counts. 

“If we are happy and proud of ourselves for the way we play then that’s really all that matters,” Simplicio said.

Oswego will be gearing up for their first SUNYAC matchup of the season against SUNY Cortland at home on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Max Ziel Gymnasium. 

Photo by: Oswego Athletics