HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Centenary University women's volleyball team continued its undefeated run through Atlantic East Conference play Saturday afternoon, sweeping Gwynedd Mercy University, 3-0, inside the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center. The Cyclones secured their fifth consecutive conference victory by scores of 25-14, 25-11 and 25-23, improving to 10-9 overall and a perfect 5-0 in conference action.
Centenary came out strong in the opening set, establishing control with an efficient offensive performance. The Cyclones recorded 12 kills with just one attacking error, hitting an impressive .379 while holding Gwynedd Mercy to a .033 hitting percentage. Centenary maintained its momentum throughout the frame, cruising to a 25-14 victory.
The Cyclones continued their strong play in the second set, delivering another balanced offensive performance. Centenary recorded 10 kills on just 18 attempts, hitting .333 while limiting the Griffins to four kills and a negative .091 hitting percentage. The Cyclones dominated the frame to secure a commanding 25-11 victory and take a two-set advantage.
The third set proved to be the most competitive of the afternoon as Gwynedd Mercy battled to extend the match. Despite the Griffins' increased offensive pressure, Centenary remained composed down the stretch. The Cyclones recorded seven kills in the frame and held off Gwynedd Mercy for a narrow 25-23 victory, completing the three-set sweep.
Gabriella Miller led the Cyclones offensively with a match-high nine kills, adding seven digs and three service aces. Poppy Skjonnemand contributed seven kills while hitting .316, recording eight digs and two service aces.
Helen Bilomasur delivered an outstanding offensive performance, recording seven kills on 10 attempts without an attacking error for an impressive .700 hitting percentage. Bilomasur also added four service aces and four digs.
Jennifer Thistlethwaite contributed six kills while hitting .250, adding three service aces and two solo blocks to strengthen Centenary's effort on both sides of the net.
Adrienne Xiao directed the Cyclones' offense with a match-high 22 assists, adding four digs, while Rey Bennett anchored the defensive effort with eight digs.
As a team, Centenary finished with 29 kills, a .238 hitting percentage, 12 service aces and 31 digs, while holding Gwynedd Mercy to just 19 kills and a .023 hitting percentage.
With the victory, the Cyclones improve to 10-9 overall and 5-0 in Atlantic East Conference play, remaining unbeaten against conference opponents.
Centenary will return to action on Wednesday, November 4, when the Cyclones travel to Immaculata University for a 6:30 p.m. conference matchup.
