ARLINGTON, Va. – A historic season for the Centenary University women's volleyball team came to an end Saturday afternoon, as the third-seeded Cyclones fell to top-seeded Marymount University, 3-0, in the Atlantic East Conference Championship inside Converse Family Fieldhouse.
Making their first conference championship appearance in program history, the Cyclones battled throughout the contest before falling by set scores of 14-25, 22-25 and 16-25. Despite the result, Centenary concludes a remarkable 2026 campaign that saw the program reach new heights, accomplish unprecedented milestones and establish a new standard for Cyclones volleyball.
Set One: Marymount 25, Centenary 14
The Cyclones opened the championship match with 11 kills, but nine attacking errors limited their offensive efficiency. Marymount capitalized on Centenary's miscues while recording eight kills on a .227 hitting percentage to secure the opening set, 25-14.
Set Two: Marymount 25, Centenary 22
Centenary responded with its strongest offensive performance of the afternoon in the second set, recording 17 kills while hitting .225.
The Cyclones challenged the Saints throughout the frame, producing five more kills than Marymount and keeping themselves within striking distance. However, the Saints managed to capitalize on timely opportunities to escape with a narrow 25-22 victory and take a two-set advantage.
Set Three: Marymount 25, Centenary 16
Refusing to back down, the Cyclones continued to compete in the third set, recording nine kills. Marymount maintained its offensive efficiency, posting a .450 hitting percentage with just one attacking error to secure a 25-16 victory and claim the Atlantic East Conference title.
Poppy Skjonnemand led all players with 14 kills, while adding six digs, one service ace and an assist to finish with a match-high 15 points. Gabriella Miller contributed eight kills, eight digs and a block assist, while Helen Bilomasur added seven kills, two assists, two digs and a service ace. Jennifer Thistlethwaite recorded five kills on a .235 hitting percentage, while Ava Estrada and Britney Keeney each contributed a kill.
Adrienne Xiao directed the Cyclones' offense with a match-high 27 assists, while adding eight digs, one kill and a service ace. Rey Bennett contributed eight digs, three assists and a service ace, sharing the team lead in digs with Miller and Xiao.
As a team, Centenary finished with 37 kills, 33 assists, 33 digs and four service aces. Despite recording seven more kills than Marymount, the Cyclones were unable to overcome the Saints' offensive efficiency and defensive presence at the net.
A Season to Remember
While the Cyclones ultimately fell short of capturing their first conference championship, the 2026 season will forever hold a special place in Centenary women's volleyball history.
Throughout the campaign, the Cyclones accomplished several historic milestones, including:
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Defeating Marymount University for the first time in program history.
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Finishing conference play with an impressive 5-2 record.
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Securing the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic East Conference Tournament.
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Earning the first playoff victory in program history with a sweep over Saint Elizabeth University.
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Defeating second-seeded Immaculata University on the road in the conference semifinals.
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Advancing to the conference championship for the first time in program history.
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Finishing as the 2026 Atlantic East Conference Runners-Up.
Centenary concludes the season with a 12-12 overall record, leaving behind a campaign defined by resilience, determination and historic accomplishments. Although the season did not end with a championship title, the Cyclones have plenty to celebrate. From their regular-season success to their unforgettable postseason run, this year's team accomplished what no other team in program history had before.
The 2026 Cyclones have not only rewritten the history books but have laid the foundation for the future of Centenary women's volleyball.
