ONEONTA, NY -- The Union College volleyball team, coming off a school record 28-win season in 2007, opened the 2008 season with two victories in the first day of the SUNY Oneonta Invitational at Dewar Arena Friday.

The Dutchwomen downed Scranton in the first match, three games to one. Union won by scores of 26-24, 22-25, 25-19 and 25-18. In the second match later in the day. Union improved to 2-0 with a four game victory over SUNY Potsdam. The Dutchwomen were winners by scores of 25-16, 23-25, 25-16 and 25-21.

Freshman outside hitter Eve Richards (Schenectady, NY) had a super debut in a Union uniform. She had 13 kills in the win over Scranton, while junior setter Jennifer Merinder (Andover, MA) dished out 39 assists. Senior Rachel Ormsby (Charlton, NY), Union's first ever volleyball All-American in her junior year, had 12 digs, nine kills and five blocks, while senior outside htiter Julie LaSpina (Roslyn Heights, NY) added 11 kills.

In the victory over Potsdam, the Dutchwomen were led by Merinder with 34 assists and five blocks, while Ormsby had 15 digs, eight blocks and seven kills and LaSpina had 11 kills.

Union faces Liberty League rivals St. Lawrence and Clarkson on Saturday.