Bobcats Sweep on Senior Day!

Paul Smiths, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College women's volleyball team celebrated Senior Day in style, earning back-to-back sweeps on Saturday, October 11th inside Buxton Gymnasium.

The Bobcats dominated both matches, sending off their seniors with a statement performance to cap off the home weekend after splitting their Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) matchups last week.  The afternoon was highlighted by another major milestone in as many weeks, as senior captain Maddi Rhodes (Charlotte, NC) surpassed 500 career kills, a remarkable achievement for the veteran who has been a foundational piece of the program's success.

"Learning that I've hit 500 kills means the world," said Rhodes when asked about her career milestone.  "I've done a lot for this sport and for this team especially, so to hear that my hard work is paying off is great," she added.

Last week at SMCC, Finnley Jacobson, a middle hitter from Vergennes, Vermont, crossed the 500-kill mark.  This week, she anchored the defense with 18 digs and three block assists across the two matches.  Her consistency at the net and energy on the court have made her one of the most impactful two-way players in Bobcat history.

Rhodes, a powerful outside hitter, joined her classmate in the 500-kill club with another standout day.  She tallied 15 kills in one of the matches, showing her trademark precision and leadership on the attack.  Her ability to perform under pressure once again proved instrumental in PSC's sweep.

"This season has been tough due to numbers and some of the girls being new to the sport, but I'm here to enjoy myself and play the sport so I just have to remind myself of that," said Rhodes, commenting about the challenges faced by the team and their continued success in the face of adversity.

The Bobcats were dominant from the opening serve, controlling tempo and minimizing errors through strong serve-receive play and balanced offense.  The team's communication and composure carried them through both matches, allowing every player to contribute on the stat sheet.

First year player Kennedy Marchbanks (Cazenovia, NY) showcased her versatility at both ends of the court with 19 kills and 16 digs on the day.  Junior specialist Karlye Murphy (Hilton, NY) was terrific on the setup, contributing 46 assists and five service aces.

Behind Jacobson and Rhodes, PSC continued to show the growth and chemistry that have defined the 2025 season.  With momentum building and milestones falling, the Bobcats are peaking at the perfect time as postseason play approaches.

"I think we will do well in the playoffs if we continue to enjoy playing together and play our game," added Rhodes.

As the final point dropped, the team celebrated two outstanding careers that have helped elevate the program to new heights. Both Jacobson and Rhodes leave lasting marks not only in the record books but also as leaders who have embodied the heart and spirit of Smitty Nation.

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.