SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Forty-six of the Clarkson University Volleyball team's 63 kills came from freshmen as the Golden Knights' youthful squad surprised 21st-ranked Springfield College in five sets 20-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-18, 15-11 Friday night.

The Golden Knights picked up their first victory of the season against the Pride and will take on Simmons College and Westfield State on Saturday.

"What a great way to start the season against a good team in their arena," Clarkson head coach Johan Dulfer remarked. "I thought we worked out some of the early season jitters as best we could and really stayed aggressive throughout. We showed a lot of purpose playing the big points and I'm really proud of the team. But it's just day one of a long season. We have to do tomorrow."

Freshman Aishvina Arasu (Brea, CA) sent down 20 kills in her first collegiate match to lead the Knights, while sophomore middle hitter Adrienne Walker (Centennial, CO) contributed 13 kills. Freshman Victoria Kirkemo (Englewood, CO) added in 11 kills and 14 digs.

Junior All-American setter Lani Durio (Austin, TX) ran the offense with its freshmen additions well, producing 51 assists to go along with two aces and seven digs. Classmate Erika Chin (Katy, TX) led the squad with 24 digs and also had a pair of aces, while Kirstie Shurie (LaCanada, CA) had 15 digs and Kristen Orlandini (Fairport, NY) added 12 digs.