Cornell women’s volleyball secured a spot in the Ivy League Tournament with a four-set win over Penn on Friday night at Newman Arena. The team improved its overall record to 14–7 and holds a 9–2 mark in Ivy League play, guaranteeing postseason participation with one regular-season match left.
In the opening set, Cornell established control with a .324 hitting percentage and a decisive 9–1 run. Nicole Mallus and Mackenzie Parsons contributed key kills, while Eliza Konvicka delivered the final point for a 25–20 victory.
The second set was closely contested, featuring multiple ties and lead changes. Meghan Gaffigan and Ava Bogan combined for an important block late in the set to help Cornell secure a 25–22 win.
Penn responded in the third set by capitalizing on Cornell’s errors and timely attacks, taking the frame 25–23 despite efforts from Konvicka and Parsons.
Cornell regrouped in the fourth set as Mallus and Konvicka led offensively, while Bogan and Gaffigan were effective at the net. A service error by Penn ended the set at 25–23, giving Cornell both the match win and tournament berth for a second consecutive season.
Konvicka recorded a match-high 14 kills along with four blocks and two aces. Mallus added 10 kills on a .556 hitting percentage. Parsons, Jaida Sione, and Gaffigan each had 10 kills as well. Setters Doga Ozalp (23 assists) and Mikayla Gray (21 assists) facilitated playmaking, while libero Sara Pomar collected 16 digs. Bogan led blocking efforts with eight total blocks. As a team, Cornell finished with a .251 hitting percentage, eight blocks, and six service aces.
Cornell will next face Princeton at home on Saturday at 6 p.m., which will also serve as Senior Night to honor graduating players.
