SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Union College volleyball team went 2-2 at the Union College Invitational held at Skidmore College Friday and Saturday. The Dutchwomen defeated Hartwick, 3-1 (30-20, 30-19, 28-30, 30-21) on Friday afternoon before falling to Oswego, 3-0 (28-30, 88-30, 13-30), in the nightcap. On Saturday the Dutchwomen downed Utica in three games (34-32, 30-22, 30-23), and then fell to Russell Sage, 3-1 (24-30, 30-25, 27-30, 23-30).

 

Union jumped out to a 2-0 lead against Hartwick, and after dropping a close third game, rebounded to take the match, 3-1. Sophomore outside hitter Julie LaSpina (Roslyn Heights,NY/Roslyn) led the Dutchwomen with 23 kills, and was helped by freshman setter Lauren Lesce (Rochester, NY/Pittsford-Sutherland) who had 51 assists. Defensively, sophomore Kaitlyn Evans (Hamburg, NY/Hamburg) and junior Danna DiBlasio (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) led the team with 27 and 20 kills, respectively.

 

Veronica Mynders (Port Jervis, NY/Minisink Valley) led the Dutchwomen's defense against Oswego with 18 digs, while LaSpina chipped in with 10. Freshman Cristina Liquori (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna) paced the offense with nine kills.

 

In Saturday's opener against Utica, the Dutchwomen were led by 10 kills and five blocks from junior middle hitter Mary Volcko (Skaneateles, NY/Skaneateles) and eight kills and four aces from LaSpina. Mynders (16 digs), Evans (12 digs) and Lesce (12 digs) led the defense.

 

Mynders (13 digs), Evans (18 digs) and DaBlasio (16 digs) once again led Union's defense in Saturday's finale against Russell Sage, while Volcko (16 kills) and LaSpina (12 kills) anchored the offense.

 

LaSpina was named to the all-tournament team, with 48 kills, nine aces and 41 digs over four matches.

The Dutchwomen are back in action on Saturday, September 23, when they travel to Hamilton for a tri-match with Clarkson beginning at 11 a.m.