SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- The Union volleyball team, which entered the weekend ranked #1 in the New York Region, lost a pair of matches Saturday in the second day of the Skidmore Invitational. The Dutchwomen lost in four games to Liberty League rival Clarkson, then lost in three contests to SUNY New Paltz to close out the tournament with an overall record of 30-5.
The Golden Knights won the first match of the day by scores of 25-27, 25-23, 25-16 and 29-27. Union featured 13 kills and four blocks by senior outside hitter Julie LaSpina (Roslyn Heights, NY) while senior right side Bridget Little (Glenville, NY) posted 10 kills and seven blocks. Freshman Eve Richards (Schenectady, NY) had 11 kills and junior Veronica Mynders (Greenville, NY) had a total of 36 digs for the Dutchwomen. Other highlights included 17 digs from senior Kaitlyn Evans (Hamburg, NY) and 23 digs, eight blocks and five kills from senior Rachel Ormsby (Charlton, NY). Erika VanValkenburg (Baldwinsville, NY) had 40 assists and 13 digs.
New Paltz won by scores of 25-19, 25-19 and 25-20. Mynders had 24 digs and broke Corrine Jordan's 2003 Union career digs record. LaSpina had six kills and VanValkenburg posted 19 assists. Evans had 15 digs, Richards added five kills and Erin Schumaker (Saratoga Springs, NY) posted four blocks with six kills.
The Dutchwomen return to action Tuesday, October 28 at SUNY Oneonta for a 6 p.m. match. Union will then prep for the 2008 Liberty League Championship, which the Dutchwomen will host November 7-8.
