POTSDAM -- The St. Lawrence University volleyball team opened the 2011 season 2-0, defeating both Hartwick College and Neumann University in the first day of the North Country Classic.

In the first match, the Saints bounced back after a slow start to defeat the Hawks 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-11, 25-16). In the nightcap, a strong offense helped the home team sweep the Knights 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-20).

"Today was a very good start to our season," said St. Lawrence Head Coach Shelly Roiger.

"We came out a big sluggish against Hartwick but were able to put together runs at the right time to come out with a victory. Neumann is a very good team with a high powered offense and we played extremely smart and aggressive. I thought our energy and intensity throughout the entire match was outstanding and I am very proud of our performance today. It will be critical for us to come out with that same heart and desire tomorrow against a talented Baruch team."

Senior Nyasha Miller and classmate Liz Grogan led the Saints offense with 25 and 24 kills on the day, respectively. Miller also finished the day with 33 digs, while senior Katherine Pierce added a total of 27 digs.

Sophomore setter Anna Kassab tallied 65 assists on the day. Grogan and seniors Marta Johann and Ali Limoncelli led a tough Saint defense as they combined for nine blocks in the Neumann match alone.

St. Lawrence will take on Baruch and Cazenovia tomorrow, September 3 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.