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Potsdam Bears split on second day at Cortland

Posted 9/5/10

CORTLAND -- The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team picked up its first victory of the 2010 season, defeating Baptist Bible 25-12, 23-25, 25-16, 25-22 Saturday at the second day of the Cortland Red Dragon …

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Potsdam Bears split on second day at Cortland

Posted

CORTLAND -- The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team picked up its first victory of the 2010 season, defeating Baptist Bible 25-12, 23-25, 25-16, 25-22 Saturday at the second day of the Cortland Red Dragon Classic.

The Bears (1-3) were knocked off in five sets against Buffalo St. 20-25, 26-24, 25-23, 17-25, 15-12, in the day's second contest.

Potsdam suffered consecutive four-set losses on Friday against Vassar and Rochester.

Senior libero Erica Romaniello (Selden, N.Y.) was named to the All-Tournament team after four consistent performances in serve receive. In all four matches at the tournament, Potsdam won the first set then lost the second set.

"Just as in every match (during the tournament), we started out strong and played at a high level and tempo," Potsdam coach Steve Pike said. "There's no explanation for being 4-0 in Set 1 and 0-4 in Set 2. Fortunately, we fought ourselves out of it in the first match of the day."

The Bears were led in the win by freshman Annie Smith (Burke, N.Y.), who totaled 18 kills.

Sophomore Anne Fildes (Red Hook, N.Y.) added 10 kills and three blocks, while junior Sam Strader (Watertown, N.Y.) recorded four service aces. Freshman Jenna Blujus (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) registered 31 assists and Romaniello finished with a team-high 25 digs.

Against Buffalo St., Smith and Fildes combined for 20 kills and Romaniello posted 28 digs. Sophomore Hannah Lockwood (Victor, N.Y.) recorded nine service aces, and Blujus had 32 assists.

"Jenna Blujus ran a great offense and distributed the ball well," Pike said. "Erica was consistent all weekend ... and our middles, especially Annie Smith, scored well. Our bench came in and contributed as well."

The Bears host the Victory Promotions Invitational next Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10-11. Potsdam will open play with crosstown rival Clarkson at 4 p.m. on Friday.