POTSDAM, N.Y. (10/16/2010)(readMedia)-- The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team suffered consecutive setbacks Saturday afternoon at the Russell Sage Tri-Match in Albany, N.Y.

The Bears were defeated by William Paterson (N.J.) 3-2 (19-25, 25-23, 25-17, 18-25, 15-9) in their opening match.

Potsdam (6-19) lost its second match of the day against Skidmore, which defeated the Bears in three sets last weekend, 3-1 (25-21, 25-15, 23-25, 25-14).

"We continue to bring speed from our outside hitter positions," Pike said. "We just

need to be more consistent and improve through small steps in other areas."

Against William Paterson (14-5), junior Sam Strader (Watertown, N.Y.) led the Bears offensive attack with 12 kills. Junior captain Allison Metot (Bernhards Bay, N.Y.) posted four blocks, while senior captain Erica Romaniello (Selden, N.Y.) recorded 21 digs. Freshman Brittany Lapham (West Chazy, N.Y.) contributed with four service aces.

Against Skidmore (17-4), Strader tallied 14 kills, while Lapham tallied 21 assists

and two aces. Sophomore Anne Fildes (Red Hook, N.Y.) registered five blocks, while classmate Jill Dye (Middletown, N.Y.) totaled 13 digs. Freshman Annie Smith (Burke, N.Y.) added two aces.

Potsdam hosts the second State University of New York Athletic Conference East

Division Pool Play event of the season next Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22-23, at

Welsh Gymnasium. Matches begin at 4 p.m.

The Bears posted a 1-3 mark at the first SUNYAC date on Sept. 24-25 at New Paltz.

"We're excited about hosting and having an opportunity to play our way into the

SUNYAC Tournament," Pike said. "We control our own destiny. Hopefully we'll have an advantage playing at home."