Box Score POTSDAM, N.Y. - The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team fell into an early hole Wednesday night and couldn't recover, suffering a 25-9, 25-14, 25-21 setback against Clarkson at Welsh Gymnasium.

After falling rather quickly in the first two sets, the Bears (6-13) stormed back in the third, taking a 16-13 advantage after trailing 6-2 earlier in the set.

However, the Golden Knights (16-4) used a powerful offensive attack to make a run, going ahead 18-17 in the frame and never looking back.

Prior to the match, senior Erica Romaniello (Selden, N.Y.) was recognized for her outstanding leadership and performance in her four-year career. The starting libero will play four more home matches on Oct. 22-23 in a State University of New York Athletic Conference play date.

"It started off with me and five other freshmen, and now I'm the only one left," Romaniello said. "I've grown up so much after being a bit of a rebel when I came here. Coach Pike never gave up on me ... we've been through a lot. We've had a fantastic group of girls every year. We're like a family."

With a dramatic five-set victory over St. Lawrence last Friday, Potsdam has experienced the ups and downs of a long season first-hand over the past week. Players and coaches are optimistic about gaining consistency down the final stretch.

"The more fun we have, the better we are," Romaniello said. "We run into problems when we get down and quiet. We need to have communication, explosiveness and energy on the court and on the bench."

The match was also a part of the SUNYAC's Dig Pink initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team raised almost $200 for breast cancer awareness and research.

The Bears resume action this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9, at the Union Tournament in Schenectady, N.Y.