Grand Rapids, MI - Showing both depth and determination, the Clarkson University Volleyball team provided a glimpse into the future in the present when several freshmen were forced into action due to injuries as the Golden Knights were able to earn a split at the Midwest Invitational, sweeping ninth-ranked Eastern University in three sets before falling to 16th-ranked Elmhurst in four sets on Friday afternoon.

The Golden Knights saw their record move to 20-4 on the season. Tomorrow won't be any easier for the Green and Gold as they take on the last two national champions in fifth-ranked Calvin and 13th-rated Hope.

"(Assistant coach) Annie (McShea) and I couldn't be more proud of how we fought today," Clarkson head coach Johan Dulfer said. "We have to fight through quite a bit of adversity this weekend and it was great to see different people stepping up their game to create the best possible team we can be. This is a great group of athletes and people, and it's fun to see them supporting each other."

The Golden Knights are playing this weekend without starting setter Kirstie Shurie and starting outside hitter Victoria Kirkemo, as both 2014 AVCA All-Americans are sidelined with injuries.

In the opener against the Eagles, Clarkson was able to earn a sweep in three straight sets (25-22, 25-22, 25-18) thanks in large part to its serving prowess. In the first set, Clarkson trailed by four midway through (15-11), but earned six straight points to swing the set and the momentum in its favor. Though the deficit was smaller (13-11), the Knights did the same to the Eagles in set number two, scoring four straight to take the lead. The third set was slightly different, as the two teams were knotted up at 6-6 before Clarkson scored seven straight points, including four aces by freshman libero Tara Stilwell. That was enough to take the wind out from under the Eagles and Clarkson cruised from that point on. Aishvina Arasu finished with nine kills and Lauren Hutchinson added eight kills. Freshman Savannah Peters had four kills on just six swings and also added a pair of solo blocks and two aces. Tara Stilwell produced 18 digs and six aces, and her effort was bolstered by Sierra Rhoades (nine digs) and Sophia Holms (eight digs). Jillian Saenz first collegiate assignment as setter provided 26 assists.

Though Clarkson lost the first set handily against Elmhurst, the two teams played three tight sets the rest of the way (25-15, 25-27, 25-21, 25-22). Arasu had a match-high 19 kills and also produced 13 digs. Sierra Rhoades scored nine kills and Jillian Saenz recorded 40 assists and 14 digs. Tara Stilwell led the team with 26 digs, while Sophia Holms played a strong defensive effort as well with 11 digs.