POTSDAM, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team honored its three seniors during a home exhibition match with Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario) on Wednesday night. Outside hitter Samantha Strader, right side Jessica Archinal, and outside hitter Allison Metot each made their final appearance before the home crowd.

The talented Gaels came out on top in each of the five sets on a senior night that the Bears used as a tune up for SUNYAC East Pool play this weekend.

“They brought some heat, a lot of velocity on their serves,” said Potsdam Head Coach Steve Pike. “It was good for us heading into this weekend. Everyone got to contribute and got to see some different things. I was proud of the way we competed against a very good team. Getting to face teams like Queen’s is another step in in building our program.”

With at least seven matches left in their Bears careers, the seniors have made some impressive contributions to Potsdam volleyball. In 112 matches, Strader has totaled 716 kills, 566 digs, 136 blocks, and 43 serving aces. Metot has played in 90 matches and recorded 292 kills, 173 digs, and 109 blocks. Archinal has 210 digs, 58 kills, 41 serving aces, and 21 blocks in 48 matches.

“These three are going to be very hard to replace,” Pike said “They’re mature young women that are doing great things on and off the court and we’re really proud that they’re a part of our program.”

The Bears (18-11, 1-3 SUNYAC) will head to Plattsburgh on Oct. 21-22, to battle for a postseason berth in four matches. On Friday, Potsdam faces New Paltz at 3 p.m. and the host Cardinals at 5 p.m. The Bears wrap up conference play on Saturday, facing Cortland at noon and Oneonta at 2 p.m.