STONY BROOK, N.Y.- For the second straight year, the Stony Brook volleyball team has won the America East Championship. The Seawolves defeated Albany in a five set battle (17-25, 25-14, 25-18, 21-25, 15-8) in the championship game Saturday night. Stony Brook improves to 21-8, and the Great Danes finish their season 16-11.
 
Coach Belzung's Reaction
"That was exactly what a championship atmosphere should be like. Huge thank you to our crowd and students for making Pritchard a hostile environment tonight. Albany came to play. They defended and adjusted throughout the entire match but our group was on a mission. I am so proud of our team for earning the opportunity to represent Stony Brook and the America East in the NCAA Tournament."
 
By the Numbers vs. Albany
- Graduate student Emily Costello (Webster, N.Y.) led the way with 17 kills.
- Senior McKyla Brooks (Blasdell, N.Y.) notched 13 kills and five blocks.
- Junior Jordan Gels (Lewis Center, Ohio) recorded nine kills and two blocks.
- Junior Kendra Harlow (St. James, N.Y.) and junior Maria Poole (Stavanger, Norway) each notched nine kills.
- Junior LeAnne Sakowicz (Wauconda, Ill.) tallied 54 assists and 16 digs in the victory. 

Notes
- The 2018 America East title is the second in program history. 
- Sakowicz, Costello and sophomore Kiani Kerstetter (Cardiff, Calif.) were named to the All-Championship Team, with Costello being Most Outstanding Player. 
- The Seawolves are now 16-32 all-time against the Great Danes.
- The team continued it's winning ways, making it 17 in a row.
- With the victory, the Seawolves punched their ticket to the NCAA tournament.
 
Up Next
The selection show for the NCAA Volleyball Tournament will be held on Sunday, November 25 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU.