Match Info
Ithaca (12-4, 2-1 E8) at Alfred (7-9, 1-1 E8)
Tuesday, September 27, 2016 | 7:00 P.M.
Terry S. Galanis Family Arena – Alfred, N.Y.
 
Match Coverage
Live Stats | Video Stream
 
Last Time Out
Ithaca boosted its record to 12-4 on the season and 2-1 in Empire 8 play in its latest action this past Saturday when hit the road for the first of three conference tri-matches. Playing in a hostile environment at Stevens' Canavan Arena, the Bombers opened the day with a straight-sets victory over Nazareth College. However, the Ducks would gain revenge from last season's loss in the Empire 8 Championship Game, defeating IC in three sets during the final match of the day.
 
Finishing Touch
Ithaca has done an excellent job of finishing opponents off once it has gained the advantage in the match. The Bombers have been 9-for-9 in closing out matches in three sets once they have gained a two-sets-to-none lead to begin a match. Ithaca is already half way to its regular season total of 18 straight-sets victories during the team's 31-win 2015 season.
 
Cerruti in National Ranks
Sophomore middle, Amanda Cerruti, has been one of the most fearsome net defenders in the country through the first half of the 2016 season. She enters play on Tuesday ranked 17^th in NCAA Division III with a 1.20 blocks-per-set average. Her 59 total blocks are tied for 22^nd-most in the country.
 
Behind the Block
Ithaca's defending has also been stellar behind its impressive set of blockers. Sophomore, Tara Stilwell, also ranks among the nation's top-100 when it comes to total digs, as her 275 on the season check-in at a tie for 53^rd place in NCAA Division III.
 
Scouting Alfred
The Saxons enter Tuesday's nights match with an overall record of 7-9 and a 1-1 mark in Empire 8 play. Alfred is coming off a split during the opening weekend of conference action, going the distance in a five-set win over Hartwick College and falling in four sets to Houghton. The Saxons have been strong of late, posting a 3-2 record over its last five contests, overall. Amber Smith paces Alfred's attack with 179 kills on the year, while Heather D'Andrea has been solid on the opposite pin with 138 kills this season. Jacquelynn Hicks is also a formidable two-way option in the middle, checking in third in kills with 124 and leading the team in total blocks with 44.
 
Looking Ahead
Ithaca will not return to action until next Tuesday, October 4, as the team makes the short trip to face rival SUNY Cortland. The match is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m.