The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team knew the RIT Invitational was going to be highly competitive. In their first two matches the Bears came out on the short end of the stick, losing both in four sets.

The first match of the tournament featured Potsdam taking on the Thunder of Trine University. Trine set the tone in the first set, beating Potsdam 25-15. The Bears did manage to fight back and win a grueling second set by the score of 26-24. From there, it was all Thunder. They would rally to take the final two sets by scores of 25-17 and 25-16. Potsdam was led by sophomore setter Jenna Blujus (Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker) who had 13 digs and 26 assists for the match. The Bears also received a solid all-around match from sophomore outside hitter Dakota Pruiss (Wallkill, N.Y. / Wallkill) who totaled nine kills, 18 digs and three aces and senior outside hitter Samantha Strader (Watertown, N.Y. / South Jefferson) pitched in 13 kills.

The day didn’t get any easier in the second match, as the University of Rochester was next. Potsdam fought the Yellow Jackets tough in the first set before ultimately dropping the battle 25-19. Again, the Bears came back to knot the match at one with a hard-fought 25-17 set two victory. The Yellow Jackets would turn up the heat from that point on and take the final two sets with identical 25-21 scores. Blujus again led the team with 27 assists and junior libero Jillian Dye (Middletown, N.Y. / Minisink Valley) had 21 digs and three aces.

“Our effort was good but our communication was lacking and we didn’t execute at a high level” said Bears head coach Steve Pike. “We have two quality opponents again tomorrow and will need to work hard.”

Potsdam (8-4) will look to rebound on the second day of the tournament as they oppose Medaille College (12 p.m.) and SUNYAC West conference foe Brockport (2 p.m.).