BOX SCORE 1 | BOX SCORE 2 New York, NY - Hunter College women's volleyball captured the 2016 CUNYAC/Pepsi Women's Volleyball Championship on Friday, defeating the #2 Bearcats in three sets.

The start of the match was full of energy from both teams with a full crowd cheering them on. The Bearcats would prove to be a formidable opponent for Hunter who had cruised through their first match of the day. The score stayed neck and neck throughout the first set, with neither team taking more than a two point lead until the 12-9 mark of the set.  The set went back and forth with big kills from sophomore Taylor Kerr-Haiduk of Hunter and senior captain Akilah Meulens of Baruch as the set reached a 23-23 tie. Eventually Baruch would be the first to give in, as the first set was taken by Hunter, 25-23.

Tthe Bearcats came out inspired in the second and kept the pressure on once again. Baruch jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the set to swing things slightly back in their favor. Hunter, led by sophomore Miranda Hogan, would answer quickly though, and just like that we had another incredibly competitive set on our hands. Baruch pulled ahead 19-15, but the onslaught of big hits by the Hawks along with some clutch serving by senior Breanna Banske proved to be too much once again for the Bearcats to handle. The Hawks pulled themselves back into the game late and took the second set 25-21.

With a two sets to none lead over their familiar foe, the Hawks took to the court for what they hoped would be the last time of the night to close out their third consecutive CUNYAC women's volleyball title. It would take the impactful play of junior Julia Connolly in order to close out this hard fought final set, 25-22, and finish off yet another championship season for Hunter. This title marks the 23rd in Hunter's storied program's history.

Taylor Kerr-Haiduk was named the MVP of the tournament for her stellar play, and she was quick to acknowledge her teammates' roll in her winning the award.

"Every day we get in the gym and push ourselves 110%. We run hard, we push hard, we go for every ball and I think we won as a team today," said Kerr-Haiduk. "It all starts with passing so I have to thank my libero and my setter because I couldn't kill the ball if they didn't put the ball up first."

Hunter was led by junior Julia Connolly who had 11 kills and 12 digs, sophomore Miranda Hogan who had eight kills and 16 digs, and tournament MVP Taylor Kerr-Haiduk with 11 kills and six digs. Baruch was led by Akilah Meulens who had 12 kills and Stephanie Cornwell who dished out 26 assists to go with 10 digs of her own.