3 from WNY charged in hazing incident

GENESEO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Three local students who attend SUNY Geneseo have been charged in a hazing incident that sent one freshman to the hospital.

SUNY Geneseo has suspended the women's volleyball program after police alerted campus officials to an underage drinking party that took place Saturday night. An 18-year-old woman was taken to NOYES Memorial Hospital Sunday morning at 8 a.m. for alcohol poisoning.

Authorities determined that at a home on Court Street, eight victims were blindfolded, handcuffed, and ordered to drink alcoholic beverages. All of the victims are freshmen and members of the women's volleyball team.

Eleven women have been arrested, charged with first degree hazing and first degree unlawfully dealing with a child, and three are from western New York.

Alysia Negron of Buffalo, Alexandra Wende of Williamsville, and Julia Ganglof of Lancaster were all arrested on Friday. All three are 20-years-old.

Also arrested:

• Laura Galvin, 21, of Baldwinsville
• Noelle Morrison, 20, of Stoneybrook
• Sarah Dewey, 19, Cooperstown
• Carissa Gagliardi, 19, of Wantagh
• Megan Johnson, 19, of Moriches
• Laura Rahab, 21, of East Northport
• Courtney Long, 20, of Rochester
• Megan Reed, 21, of Horseheads

SUNY Geneseo released a statement about the incident, saying in part, "Given the severity of the actions, Geneseo took immediate action to cancel the team’s games and practice sessions during the police investigation, including an upcoming tournament scheduled this weekend. A decision on the team’s participation in future games this season is pending. After reviewing findings of the Geneseo police investigation, the college will initiate its own internal investigation and in all likelihood pursue disciplinary action against those involved in the alleged violations of the College Code of Conduct and the college hazing policy."