BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Cornell women's volleyball team (2–2) heads to Buffalo this weekend for a three-match slate at the Buffalo Classic, hosted by the University at Buffalo. The Big Red enters tournament play with momentum after a statement home victory over Colgate earlier this week.

Senior outside hitter Eliza Konvicka, fresh off earning Ivy League Player of the Week honors, has been a force for Cornell in the early season. Konvicka leads the team with 58 kills (4.46 per set) on a .331 hitting percentage, while also adding 20 blocks. Sophomore Mackenzie Parsons (42 kills) and senior Nicole Mallus (41 kills) round out a balanced attack. Running the offense is senior setter Doga Ozalp, who has already dished out 94 assists this season.

On defense, junior libero Sarita Pomar has been a reliable anchor in the back row with 67 digs (3.94 per set). At the net, the Big Red has leaned on three strong blockers — junior middle Ava Bogan (20), Konvicka (15), and Parsons (13) — to set the tone.

Cornell opens the Buffalo Classic on Friday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. against Niagara before facing Big Ten opponent Northwestern on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. The Big Red will close the weekend against the host Bulls on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.

Scouting Niagara

The Purple Eagles enter the tournament still in search of their first win at 0–5. Niagara's offense is led by senior outside hitter Liana Tolliver, who has totaled 42 kills this season while hitting .146. Fellow senior Sydney Wilkes adds 27 kills at a .188 clip. Defensively, sophomore libero Mia Schaefer has been a standout with 105 digs (5.53 per set) and only nine receiving errors on the season.

Scouting Northwestern

The Wildcats come to Buffalo with a strong 5–1 record and a balanced attack. Senior hitter Rylen Reid paces the offense with 73 kills (3.17 per set) and a .312 hitting percentage, while graduate student Ayah Elnady has been a serving weapon with 15 aces already this fall. Northwestern's back row is anchored by Elnady (52 digs), Drew Wright (56 digs) and Reid (54 digs). At the net, middle blockers Bella Simkus (26 blocks, 1.24 per set) and Kayla Kauffman (20 blocks, 1.33 per set) provide a formidable defensive presence.

Scouting Buffalo

The host Bulls hold a 2–2 mark heading into their home tournament. Manoela Forlin leads the offense with 54 kills (3.6 per set, .285 pct.), followed by Emerson Matthews with 47 kills (3.13 per set). Keira Kleidon leads the back row with 55 digs (3.67 per set), while Sydney Bell (10 blocks), Reese Collins (9), and Matthews (8) provide defensive strength at the net.

Cornell will look to continue building early-season momentum as it tests itself against a mix of regional and national competition in Buffalo.

FOLLOW ALONG THIS WEEKEND

Friday, September 12, 2025

Cornell vs. Niagara – 2 p.m.

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Saturday, September 13, 2025

Cornell vs. Northwestern University – 4 p.m.

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Sunday, September 14, 2025

Cornell vs. University at Buffalo – 1 p.m.

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