HERKIMER – A determined FM squad travelled to Herkimer for a Wednesday evening Mountain Valley Conference match with Herkimer CCC. The Lady Raiders shut out the Generals three sets to none. The set scores were 25-15, 25-10, and 25-11.

FM's sterling season record is now 16-2. The Lady Raiders are currently ranked third among the 18 teams in Region 3.

Head Coach Rachael Salvione's squad has balance and a solid blend of offensive and defensive skills. Still, the kill shot may be volleyball's most impressive weapon, and FM has two players who are always a threat to end a rally with a kill. Senior Whitney Ostrander and freshman Katlyn Pierce combined for 17 kills against the Herkimer Six.

Photo:  Whitney Ostrander, left, and Katlyn Pierce delivering kills earlier in the season

Consistency is also important, and the service-line play of Elizabeth Hayward and Zara Hyde reflected the team's consistency. That pair of Raiders served a total of 27 times against the Generals and did not commit a single service error.

Coach Salvione was pleased with the team's effort. After the match she stated, "The girls remained focused throughout the entire match, and we played the game the way we have been capable of playing all year."

The Raiders will return to Herkimer on Saturday for pod play.  FM will play Finger Lakes CC, Hudson Valley CC, and SUNY Adirondack. Adirondack is currently ranked #2 in the region and owns a 20-2 record. One of the Lady Raiders' only two losses was to Adirondack, in FM's season opener.

FM will play their final home match of the season next Wednesday, October 22, when they host the Lady Broncos of SUNY Delhi. The steadily improving Delhi squad's overall record is 15-13. The first serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

FM stats vs. Herkimer:  Gillen – 1 ace, 10 digs, 3 kills; Ostrander – 7 aces, 1 dig, 9 kills, 3 blocks; Morey – 3 aces, 8 digs, 2 kills, 1 assist; Hayward – 1 ace, 6 digs, 3 kills; Pierce – 8 kills, 3 blocks; Robinson – 2 aces, 3 digs, 2 kills; Hyde – 2 aces, 7 digs, 25 assists