CU Volleyball Preview - at Vassar/Union (10/9-10)

Kaelyn Buehler

Women's Volleyball | 10/8/2026 2:45:00 PM

Having won two out of the first three matches in conference play, the Clarkson University Volleyball team heads into the heart of the Liberty League season this weekend with two important conference clashes awaiting the team, playing Vassar on Friday and then Union on Saturday.

Live Stats vs. Vassar
Live Video vs. Vassar
Live Stats vs. Union
Live Video vs. Union

The Series: The Knights dropped a match to both teams a year ago, falling in four to Vassar and getting swept by Union, which sent the Knights out of home court advantage in the Liberty League Tournament. The loss against the Brewers ended a five-match winning streak for Clarkson, while the defeat versus Union put a halt to Clarkson's nine-match winning streak against the Garnet Chargers.

Key Stats for Clarkson (12-3, 2-1 Liberty League): The extra substitutions have allowed Clarkson to utilize its strength even more in 2026: its defense. The Golden Knights have five players averaging two digs per set or more as the team can frequently have three defensive specialists in the back row, and fortunately for Clarkson they all excel at serving as well. Olivia Baxter, the team's libero, leads with 4.55 digs per set, but setter Brianna Hale (2.26 dps), Cecilia Velardi (2.15 dps), Emma Cortez (2.04 dps), and Izzie Piano (2.04 dps) have all contributed to Clarkson's usual defensive prowess.

Key Stats for Vassar (6-8, 1-1 Liberty League): Maura McAusland returns for the Brewers and is among the conference leaders in kills per set at 3.32. She had a standout match against the Knights in 2025, recording 22 kills and 14 digs in the Vassar victory. Holland Kaplan, another top hitter for Vassar, is averaging 2.98 kills per set this year. She had 14 kills in the Brewers win a year ago. Setter Francesca Medrano is averaging 8.60 asissts, 0.51 aces, and 2.93 digs per set.

Key Stats for Union (11-6, 0-2 Liberty League): The Garnet Chargers have faced what are likely the top two teams in the conference in William Smith and Ithaca, leaving them with a hole to climb out of but also preparing them for the remainder of the conference slate. Kayla Cartagena Martinez is averaging 2.93 kills per set and Georgia Pinciaro is at 2.00 kills per set, but both are hitting the ball at a clip below .200. Three more players average better than 1.50 kills per set, adding some depth to the Garnet Chargers offense.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#13 Olivia Baxter: DS; 5' 6"; Junior

#3 Emma Cortez: DS/L; 5' 3"; Senior

#5 Brianna Hale: S; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#1 Izzie Piano: DS/L; 5' 2"; Sophomore

#2 Cecilia Velardi: DS/L; 5' 4"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#13 Olivia Baxter
: 5' 6"; Junior
: DS

#3 Emma Cortez
: 5' 3"; Senior
: DS/L

#5 Brianna Hale
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: S

#1 Izzie Piano
: 5' 2"; Sophomore
: DS/L

#2 Cecilia Velardi
: 5' 4"; Senior
: DS/L