SCHENECTADY, NY - The Union College volleyball team split their contests Friday night, falling to Clarkson 3-0 and topping St. Lawrence 3-1.  In the Dutchwomen's previous meetings, the roles were reversed as the squad fell to the Saints 1-3 and defeated the Golden Knights 3-1.  Despite the loss tonight, Union remains Clarkson's only conference loss this season.  The Dutchwomen (18-12 on the season) triumphed over St. Lawrence (17-12) with scores of 25-16, 25-20, 20-25 and 25-23 after succumbing to Clarkson (25-3) with scores of 17-25, 8-25 and 18-25.

Against the Golden Knights, the Dutchwomen faced a tough rematch taking on the Liberty League leaders.  Junior Nora Wood was a playmaker throughout the first match, making numerous saves and creating offensive opportunities.  Sophomores Marissa Vollmer and Kelly Sheehan both had excellent defensive games, tallying 17 and nine digs, respectively.  Vollmer refused to quit working in the third set, making back-to-back-to-back digs that led to senior Eve Richards gaining a point for Union. 

Richards led the team in kills with 10 while freshman Claire Kokoska followed up with six.  The rookie outside hitter was a playmaker, as well, gaining a point on a sneak tip over the net immediately after delivering a massive kill.  Sophomore setter Mackenzie Westfall recorded 21 assists, while aiding in Union's defensive efforts alongside seniors Mary Foley and Ashleigh Baldwin.  Westfall and Foley constantly blocked for the Dutchwomen while Baldwin repeatedly made diving saves to keep the squad in the game.

Despite a momentum surge in the third set, it was not enough to stop the Golden Knights.

In their second match of the night, the Dutchwomen added some fresh legs by starting sophomore Casey Tepper.  Tepper tallied 14 kills against St. Lawrence and served five points in a row to gain a massive lead in the first set.  The second set was defined by an immense amount of teamwork and chemistry.  Richards again led the team in kills with 15 and created a fantastic scoring opportunity by unexpectedly setting the ball over the net, confusing the Saints' defense.  The senior also had five block assists throughout the match.

The Dutchwomen tallied five points in a row off of Kokoska's serve to gain a massive lead in the second set.  Tepper also capitalized on St. Lawrence's mistakes when she gained an ace off of a short serve.  Wood had another impressive offensive set while Foley continued to be a solid blocker.  However, the Saints battled back in the third to take the match to 2-1. 

The fourth set was by far the most competitive, with the two squads going point-for-point for the majority of play.  Early on, Union found themselves trailing 5-10 to the Saints, but came back with help from Tepper, Richards and Kokoska to take the lead 12-10.  The Dutchwomen also stepped up their defensive agenda, with Vollmer and Richards each recording 13 digs.  Neither team would take a lead greater than one point until the final moments of the game.

At the 21st point, Union started to pull away with a block from Foley, and then a kill from Kokoska.  Wood, who registered four assists, would tally the final point with a kill.  Westfall also helped pull off the win by recording 36 assists.