Box Score
POTSDAM, N.Y.- The SUNY Potsdam volleyball team was defeated by rival Clarkson in four sets. This marked the second time these two teams met this year, with the first being on Sept. 6. The Bears (19-15, 2-6 SUNYAC) showed much improvement from that early-season contest in which Potsdam dropped in three sets.

Potsdam found themselves in a hole quickly. Clarkson (26-4, 10-2 Liberty) got off to a quick start and took the first two sets by scores of 25-19 and 25-13. The Bears would battle back and win a back-and-forth third set by a score of 26-24. Sophomore outside hitter Dakota Pruiss sealed the set with one of her eight kills on the evening. Potsdam couldn't keep the momentum and ultimately dropped the fourth set 25-11. For the match, the Bears were led by senior Samantha Strader who had nine kills. Sophomore setter Jenna Blujus  also contributed 27 assists, 11 digs and three aces.

Despite the loss, Coach Steve Pike was happy with what he saw.

“We played with a lot of speed and aggression on offense and kept competing,” Pike said. “We made some physical mistakes but we fought through them. We played a very tough team and you can see why they have had a successful season but I am happy to see us getting better. It was fun tonight.”

The loss leaves the Bears one win shy of 20 on the season. The accomplishment is even more impressive considering the team struggled a season ago and managed six wins on the campaign.

“We definitely want to win 20 on the year,” said Pike. “It would be a big step. We have improved not only in number of wins, but quality of wins and how we compete.”

The Bears will return to action Saturday, Oct. 29 in Rochester, N.Y. Potsdam will compete in a tri-match against Geneseo at 1 p.m. and host St. John Fisher College at 3 p.m. These will be the final two matches of the regular season as the team looks for a strong finish.