Schenectady, NY – After suffering its first loss in two weeks, the Clarkson University Volleyball team took no time in grieving over the end of its winning streak, rebounding to gain sweeps of Vassar and Union Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Knights improved to 17-4 overall and 7-1 in conference games with just four league matches remaining on the schedule. Clarkson will play at St. Lawrence in mid-October and again in Canton against RIT before rounding out the conference schedule with home matches against Skidmore and Union on October 20th.

Clarkson recovered from its first loss in 11 matches on Friday night with a three-set sweep of Vassar College, 25-20, 26-24, 25-18. Freshman Victoria Kirkemo (Englewood, CO) continued her strong first year with a .452 hitting percentage, striking for 16 kills against only two errors in 31 attempts. Classmate Lauren Hutchinson (Spring, TX) was nearly as good with a .421 hitting percentage (8-0-19). Lani Durio (Austin, TX) added in 28 assists and nine digs while Danielle Farabee (Katy, TX) contributed four blocks and Erika Chin (Katy, TX) produced 18 digs and four more assists.

In the second match of the day, the Golden Knights dispatched the Dutchwomen in three sets as well, 25-21, 25-18, 25-18. Junior Lani Durio was lost to an injury in the first set after delivering nine assists and three digs, but fortunately the Knights had a capable replacement in freshman Kirstie Shurie (LaCanada, CA). Shurie produced a double-double with 17 assists and 10 digs as Clarkson had 44 kills and only seven errors on offense in the match. Kirkemo filled out a strong day with 14 more kills and just a single error as well as a team-best 19 digs. Aishvina Arasu (Brea, CA) also put forth a strong effort with 12 kills and nine digs. Adrienne and Bailey Walker (Centennial, CO) combined for 15 kills and only one error in 40 attempts to round out the offense. Defensively, Erika Chin produced 16 more digs to back up Kirkemo’s effort, and sophomore Kristen Orlandini (Fairport, NY) led another strong serving effort with four aces.

“We faced adversity last night and then had an injury today, so our ability to bounce back was really tested,” head coach Johan Dulfer said. “I am so happy with how everyone responded and how hard we fought, especially in the Union match. If we can bring that kind of resolve, purpose, and fun to the court every time, the future of Clarkson Volleyball is in good hands.”