ONEONTA, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team (5-10, 0-1 SUNYAC) fell 3-1 to SUNY Cortland (7-11, 1-0) in its SUNYAC opener at SUNY Oneonta on Friday evening.

The Red Dragons started quickly with 25-8 and 25-20 set victories before the Bears rallied for a 26-24 win in set three. However, Cortland was too strong in the decisive fourth set, posting a 25-17 win.

Graduate student outside hitter Annie Smith (Chateauguay, N.Y./Chateauguay) led the Potsdam offense with seven kills, while senior outside hitter Liza Fields (Duanesburg, N.Y./Duanesburg) chipped in three more. Freshman setter Rachel Topf (Eagle River, Alaska/Chugiak) finished with 12 assists and a solo block and senior libero Gabby Arana (Willston Park, N.Y./Herricks) had five digs.

Next, the Bears will face defending SUNYAC champ New Paltz at 10 a.m. tomorrow and host Oneonta at 12:30 p.m.