Colgate’s volleyball team travelled to Fullerton, California this past weekend to compete in the California State Fullerton Classic. In their first match against The Citadel on Friday, September 9, the Raiders came out victorious, 3-1 with individual set scores of 26-24, 20-25, 25-15 and 25-22. 

The Raiders managed to snag a win despite being down nine points early on in the first set. They had seven kills – three from senior outside hitter Kathleen Harris and an additional crucial kill from sophomore outside hitter Katie Stansbury. 

The second set started similar to the first, with the Raiders at a disadvantage; however, they quickly overcame The Citadel and pulled out the win. 

While it was not a clean win, the Raiders gained some momentum after this comeback. The team works under the senior leadership of Madison McAndrews, Kathleen Harris and Katie Stebbins.

In their second match of the California State Fullerton Classic on Saturday, the Raiders suffered a disappointing loss against the Air Force Falcons 3-2, with individual set scores of 23-25, 23-25, 30-28, 25-23 and 17-15. The Raiders won both the first and second sets against the Falcons, working hard to maintain their lead. However, the Falcons managed to pull ahead, digging into the Raider’s lead in the third set. 

Junior setter Molly Smith proved to be a huge asset in the latter sets of the match, scoring three kills between her and Stansbury. Smith then went on to make an impressive block. Harris led the match with 16 individual kills, and Smith accomplished a career high of 52 assists. This match marked the Raider’s first five-set match of the season, and they showed great potential. 

The Raiders played a third tournament match on Saturday against California State Fullerton, where they were narrowly beaten 3-2 with individual set scores of 22-25, 25-23, 27-25, 12-25 and 15-13. 

The Raiders won the first set, with stellar performances from sophomore middle blocker Jaelah Hutchison and junior right-side hitter Lauren Sanderson. Harris led the Raiders in this victorious set with four kills, while Hutchison pitched in three. Colgate led the second set early on, but lost the lead and ultimately the set to Cal State Fullerton. 

The third set went to Cal State as well, but the Raiders made a comeback in the fourth set, ultimately winning. The fifth set was incredibly close, but Cal State Fullerton managed to edge out the Raiders for the overall victory. 

Harris and senior defensive specialist Madison McAndrews were chosen as members of the all-tournament team after their respective performances this past weekend. Sophomore  defensive specialist Peighton McRobie reflected on the tournament. 

“We played well but also learned about ways we can improve,” McRobie said. “It was a really fun experience being able to travel to California and compete in a completely new environment against some very high level teams.” 

The Raiders return to action September 17 as they take on Auburn in an away match.