ITHACA- N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team (17-11, 2-2 SUNYAC) fell in their first game of the night to Fredonia State (12-12) before rebounding to defeat Sage College (16-8) in three straight sets Friday evening.

“A lot of credit goes to Fredonia,” said Head Coach Steve Pike. “They executed very well and out played us.”

The Bears struggled to find a rhythm in the first match of the night versus Fredonia State. Potsdam kept the first set close falling 25-22. However, the Blue Devils used the momentum and charged through the second and third sets to win the match, 3-0. Freshman outside hitter Rachel Auerbach led the Bears attack with seven kills. Junior setter Jenna Blujus led the team with 23 assists and seven digs. Senior middle hitters Anne Fildes and Kayla Howard each contributed six kills, respectively.

Coach Pike saw some areas that the Bears can still improve on during the match.

“We kept fighting through the match but we didn't execute well. It showed some areas that we still need to work on,” said Pike.

Potsdam recovered in the second match of the evening to win 25-15, 25-12, and 25-18 over the Sage Gators. The Bears commanded the court from start to finish. The Gators had no answer for the Potsdam serve and attack. Auerbach hit .500 from the floor to lead the attack with 14 kills. Junior middle hitter Sara Anderson followed suit with seven kills of her own. Blujus tallied 29 assists and three service aces. Senior libero Jill Dye locked down the back row with 10 digs.

“We executed very well on offense throughout the match. Rachel and Tia Wright did a great job on the outside for us. Jenna, Sara, and Liza Fields did a good job serving for us as well.”

The Bears return to the court tomorrow when they take on Ithaca at 10 a.m. and Wells College at 2:30 p.m.