SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team (16-10, 2-2 SUNYAC) split the final day of the Union Invitational to finish 2-2 for the weekend. The Bears edged Union College (14-9) in five sets and fell shortly after to Keene State (12-10), 3-2.

The Bears continued to put forth a team effort on Day Two as four Bears reached double digits in kills and digs. Potsdam was able to recover after dropping the first and third sets to beat Union in a come from behind five game thriller. The Bears battled in every set winning, 19-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, and 15-11. Junior middle hitter Sara Anderson and junior setter Jenna Blujus had season high performances in the victory. Anderson led the attack with a high of 19 kills. Blujus recorded a season high 47 assists and 23 digs. She also, added 10 kills to receive her second career triple double.

“We were able to run a very balanced offense and managed to keep them out of rhythm,” said Head Coach Steve Pike. “Allie Romaniello came in for us at defensive specialist and passed very well and Sara did a great job scoring for us out of the front row.”

Potsdam faced another five set match in their final game against Keene State. The Bears were able to rally in the fourth set down 2-1 to send the match into the deciding game. However, Potsdam fell out of rhythm in the fifth set and could not recover as Keene State claimed the 3-2 win. Freshman outside hitter Rachel Auerbach led the Bears attack with 15 kills and Anderson added 14. Blujus finished with 40 assists, 20 digs, and All-Tournament honors. Senior libero Jill Dye and sophomore defensive specialist Gabby Arana each contributed 13 digs, respectively.

“I thought we came out and executed well in our serve and serve receive game in the first four sets,” said Pike. “In the fifth set we just didn't execute and we had some errors. I thought Rachel and Sara brought good speed for us offensively on the outside and Jenna distributed the ball very well.”

The Bears return to action Friday, Oct. 12th when they travel to the Ithaca Invitational to face Fredonia State at 5 p.m.