NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – The Centenary University women's volleyball team celebrated a historic afternoon Saturday at the SUNY New Paltz Tri-Match, as Poppy Skjonnemand reached 1,000 career kills and 600 career digs, while Rey Bennett set a new program record with 48 digs in a single match. The Cyclones split the afternoon, defeating Brooklyn College 3-1 before falling to host New Paltz in straight sets.
Match One: Centenary 3, Brooklyn College 1
The Cyclones opened the afternoon with a four-set victory over Brooklyn College by scores of 21-25, 25-22, 26-24 and 25-21.
After dropping the opening set, Centenary responded with a strong performance in the second, recording 11 kills to secure a 25-22 victory and even the match. The third set proved to be the turning point as both teams battled in a tightly contested frame. The Cyclones held off Brooklyn for a 26-24 victory before carrying that momentum into the fourth set, where they recorded 14 kills to close out the match with a 25-21 win.
Skjonnemand led the Cyclones offensively with a match-high 21 kills while adding 26 digs, reaching both her 1,000th career kill and 600th career dig during the afternoon. Helen Bilomasur added 12 kills, eight digs and three service aces, while Taylor Riccio contributed five kills.
Defensively, Bennett delivered a historic performance, recording 48 digs to establish a new Centenary women's volleyball single-match program record. Her performance anchored the Cyclones' defensive effort as the team totaled 116 digs.
Adrienne Xiao directed the offense with 43 assists and 13 digs, while Ava Estrada added three block assists.
Match Two: New Paltz 3, Centenary 0
Centenary closed out the afternoon against host SUNY New Paltz, falling in straight sets by scores of 25-9, 25-21 and 25-21.
After New Paltz controlled the opening set, the Cyclones responded with a stronger effort in the second, keeping the score close before the Hawks secured a 25-21 victory. Centenary continued to battle in the third set, recording nine kills, but New Paltz held on for another 25-21 win to complete the sweep.
Gabriella Miller led the Cyclones with nine kills, while Skjonnemand added five kills and seven digs. Jennifer Thistlethwaite contributed two kills and two block assists. Xiao finished with 13 assists and eight digs, while Bennett continued her strong defensive afternoon with a team-high 19 digs and two service aces.
The Cyclones finished the tri-match with a 5-9 overall record, highlighted by Skjonnemand's two career milestones and Bennett's record-breaking defensive performance. The Cyclones now look to start conference play on Wednesday.
