New Paltz, NY - Two matches took just over two hours for the Clarkson University Volleyball team on Friday afternoon as the Golden Knights posted a pair of swift three-set victories over Mount St. Mary and Johnson & Wales at the Hawks Invitational.

The Golden Knights improved to 7-3 overall and will take on New Paltz and Ithaca on Saturday in hopes of defending their title at the Hawks Invitational.

Clarkson started a little slow against Mount St. Mary, edinging out their opponents by just two points in each of the first two sets before dominating the third, winning 25-23, 26-24, 25-6. Freshman Victoria Kirkemo (Englewood, CO) struck for 17 kills, 7 digs and 4 aces while Adrienne Walker (Centennial, CO) produced seven kills in 17 attempts and added in four aces and a pair of blocks. Junior setter Lani Durio (Austin, TX) ran the offense with 39 assists in the three sets and also added in seven digs.

The Knights' second match wasn't as close, as Clarkson cruised 25-7, 25-9, 25-18 over Johnson & Wales. Durio had a double-double with 26 assists and 12 digs. Offensively, Aishvina Arasu (Brea, CA) had 13 kills and three blocks, while Bailey Walker (Centennial, CO) and Danielle Farabee (Katy, TX) were incredibly efficient. Walker had eight kills with only one error in 19 swings and Farabee had six kills with no errors in 10 attempts.

"I thought we started the first match a little slow after such a long bus ride and we have to learn to get better at that," head coach Johan Dulfer remarked. "On top of that we played a little bit of an unfamiliar lineup but I have to give the girls credit. When the game was on the line they played really tough and played both of the first two sets without getting rattled. For such a young team that's a huge compliment. In the second match we hit our stride and did what we had to do. We look forward to trying to defend our championship tomorrow against two good teams."