Kats finish strong as WNYAC runner-up; Padilla named Player of the Year

The Erie Community College volleyball team made an impressive run in the WNYAC Championship on Saturday at SUNY Niagara, finishing as the conference runner-up.

The Kats opened the day with a semifinal victory over Jamestown Community College, winning 25–14, 18–25, 25–14, 25–21 to advance to the title match. In the championship game, Erie battled hard but ultimately fell in five sets to Monroe Community College, 15–25, 25–13, 13–25, 25–17, 10–15.

Several Kats earned postseason honors for their outstanding play. Kadie Benzel, Erin Parker, and Morgan Nixon were named to the All-Conference Team, while Sami Padilla was selected as the WNYAC Player of the Year. Head coach Craig Starzynski was also recognized as the WNYAC Coach of the Year.

Coach Starzynski praised his team's effort and growth, saying, "We're very proud of our All-Conference athletes, and Sami is a very deserving Player of the Year! Erin and Faith played tremendous today. Even in our loss to Monroe, we grew as a team and are feeling very confident going into Regionals."

Up next, Erie will compete in the Region III Tournament on November 1st, taking on Corning Community College at Finger Lakes Community College.