The FMCC Women's Volleyball team would face their toughest challenge yet this season when they hosted Jefferson Community College on Saturday afternoon. The Cannoneers, out of the Mid-State Athletic Conference, within Region 3, invaded the Raiders Den.
Jefferson headed into the match with a 6-3 record and held the #1 spot in the Region 3 Coaches Poll. The Lady Raiders pulled out all the stops to remain perfect on the season with a 3-0 match victory.
It didn't take long for the Lady Raiders to settle in and dominate the first set of the match. Krystal McSpirit sparked a 10-0 run to jump out to an 11-2 lead. Jefferson was able to narrow the FM lead 19-8, but it wasn't enough as the home team took the first set, 25-9.
In the second set, Jefferson jumped out to a 7-4 lead over FMCC. Coach Olyer called a time out and Sadie Blowers and Hailee Thompson answered, to put FM ahead 9-7. Both teams traded points, strong serving and defense secured the 25-18 victory in the second set for FMCC.
In the final set, the Cannoneers cut their deficit to 16-13. Down the stretch, McSpirit had a strong presence at the net and the Lady Raiders edged out the final set, 25-19.
McSpirit was a game changer for FM, leading with 12 kills. Madelyn Avery had a strong showing with 10 kills and 6 digs. Blowers finished with 10 kills and 4 digs. Macey Salvione led defensively with 14 digs and Aireana Muhlberger assisted 31 times.
The Lady Raiders next contest will be on September 30th, when they travel to Herkimer College for a 6:00 p.m. contest.
