Finger Lakes Women's Volleyball Earns Third Seed in Nationals

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – The Finger Lakes Community College women's volleyball team has been named the third seed in the 2024 NJCAA DIII National Tournament, following an exceptional regular season and dominant regional championship run.

This marks the Lakers' fourth consecutive national tournament appearance, capping off a stellar season with a 28-2 record and a fourth straight regional title, achieved in a 3-0 sweep over SUNY Adirondack. The Lakers head into nationals riding an impressive 27-match win streak.

Leading the Lakers' attack is Anna Kurtzhalts (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island), who ranks 22nd nationally with 277 kills. Sophomore setter Payton Stoddard (Bloomfield, N.Y./Bloomfield) has been instrumental in directing the offense, posting 753 assists—10th most in NJCAA DIII. Rounding out the team's leaders, sophomore libero Michelina Williams (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) ranks 6th in service aces (86) and 16th in digs (424), solidifying the service line and back row.

In their opening match, the Lakers will face fourteenth-seeded Monroe University–Bronx, fresh off a five-set victory over Queensborough Community College in the Region 15 Championship. The teams last met in a tri-match early this season, where Finger Lakes claimed a 3-0 sweep. This time, they'll face each other on the national stage at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with the match scheduled for 10 AM EST/9 AM CST.

The match will be streamed live on the NJCAA Network, and live stats will be provided through PrestoStats. For more information on the 2024 NJCAA DIII National Tournament in Cedar Rapid, Iowa, visit https://www.tourismcedarrapids.com/njcaa-diii-womens-volleyball-championships/