POTSDAM -- The St. Lawrence University volleyball team improved to 4-2 as they opened the Victory Promotions Tournament with two sweeps against Plattsburgh State (25-20, 25-23, 25-16) and SUNYIT (25-23, 25-16, 25-8).

In the first set against Plattsburgh State, the Saints would not relinquish the lead defeating the Cardinals 25-20.

The two teams battled throughout the second set and the Saints found themselves down 19-22. A kill by junior Liz Grogan then sparked a 6 to 1 Saints run as they took the second set 25-23 and a 2-0 lead going into the third.

The two teams continued to battle back and forth into the third set as the Saints took an 8-7 advantage. They would go on to handedly defeat the Cardinals 25-16 in the third set for the sweep.

Leading the Saints to victory in the first match were co-captains Abby Rose and Nyasha Miller. Both contributed double-doubles, with Rose recording 31 assists and 12 digs, while Miller recorded 11 kills and 12 digs.

Junior Liz Grogan also turned in another stellar performance, earning team-best 13 kills against the Plattsburgh State Cardinals. Holding down the defense was junior defensive specialist Katherine Pierce and senior Jordyn Buzza with 17 and 13 digs, respectively. Senior Lauren Drozynski contributed three service aces and two blocks for the Saints.

In the nightcap against SUNYIT, the Saints were in the hole early, trailing the Wildcats 4-12. Not giving up without a fight, the Saints chipped away at the deficit until the score was tied at 18. Behind the hitting of Grogan, Miller and junior Marta Johann, the Saints closed out the set on top, 25-23.

With the 1-0 lead and momentum on their side, the Saints came out on fire to start the second set, taking an 11-8 lead behind a kill by Miller. The Wildcats did not have an answer for the solid Saints defense and the strong presence on the front line as the Saints took the second set, 25-16.

 In the third set, the Scarlet and Brown glided to an 11-5 lead off a kill by Drozynski coming off the bench. They would not look back as Drozynski and Buzza led the way recording six and seven service aces, respectively. Miller, Grogan and Rose had yet another outstanding offensive performance. Miller recorded a team-high 14 kills and 6 digs, while Grogan contributed 9 kills and 2 blocks alongside classmate Johann. Rose recorded 33 assists and led the team defensively with 7 digs.

The Saints will battle RIT and Oswego for the second and final day of the Victory Promotions Tournament. The games are scheduled to start at 11am and 3pm.