CANTON — The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team got off to a fast start at the North Country Classic at St. Lawrence University. The Bears swept past Hartwick and RIT by identical 3-0 counts on Friday night.

In the early match against the Hawks, Potsdam shook off a slow start in the first set, rolled through the second set, and rallied to win a close third set by 25-19, 25-17, and 25-22 scores. Senior outside hitter Sam Strader (Watertown, N.Y./South Jefferson) led the Bears offensively with seven kills.

Sophomore setter Jenna Blujus (Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker) had a big match with 18 digs, 40 assists, and two aces, while junior libero Jillian Dye (Middletown, N.Y./Minisink Valley) contributed 12 digs.

Bears Head Coach Steve Pike watched his veterans’ experience shine through against Hartwick.

“We weren’t executing early, but I just kind of let them play their way through and figure some things out,” said Pike.

“They did and that was good to see. Our decision-making ability is at a much higher level this year. It was great to see they learned from last season. We also stayed focused on the next ball, regardless of what happened on the last one. I was really proud of the effort.”

The Bears’ growing confidence was evident in the late contest against a tough RIT squad. Potsdam was out front for much of the three sets as they went on to 25-20, 25-17, and 25-21 wins.

Strader added six more kills against the Tigers and Blujus had six digs and over 40 assists. Sophomore outside hitter Dakota Pruiss (Wallkill, N.Y./Wallkill) totaled 13 digs and junior Jessica Archinal (Amsterdam, N.Y./Amsterdam) recorded three aces.

Pike was very pleased with his team’s overall performance.

“A lot of their hard work is paying off and that’s fun to see,” added Pike. We still have to execute better in transition in a faster tempo offense, but I’m really excited that they stayed so aggressive all day. It’s a great start to a season, but there’s a lot of volleyball left to play.”

The Bears (2-0) close out the tournament today when they face Cazenovia at 11 a.m. and St. Michael’s at 1 p.m.