Saratoga Springs, NY - With a pair of Liberty League rivals on the horizon, the Clarkson University Volleyball team won a pair of matches on the opening day of the Skidmore Classic, besting Colby Sawyer and St. Michael's in three sets each.

The Golden Knights improved to 22-5 and the team has not lost a set since returning from Chicago two weeks ago, a stretch of six matches and 18 sets. Clarkson will face Liberty League rivals Union and Skidmore on Saturday, two matches that will likely prove important in the seeding process at the conference tournament.

Against Colby Sawyer, the Knights won 25-21, 25-19, 25-21, with Clarkson's serving prowess coming through once again. Junior Amanda Rankin (Horseheads, NY) had four aces to go along with eight digs, and sophomore Sara Artus (St. Regis Falls, NY) contributed three aces with her team-high 11 kills. Alison Schroeder (Webster, NY) also had 10 digs and Jenna Stock (Johnstown, NY) topped 30 assists once again, tallying 33 in the three-set match.

Versus St. Michael's, Clarkson took down the Division II foe in three straight, 25-20, 25-20, 25-18. The Knights' defense was important in this match as Alison Schroeder recorded 21 digs and Davanna Chetney (Fulton, NY) added 10 digs. Artus continued to lead the team offensively with 12 kills and nine digs.

"It's great to be playing good competition, and I thought we did a good job adjusting back to the faster game that usually brings out the best in us," said head coach Johan Dulfer. "We have talked a lot this week about leaving everything on the court this year, and we are playing teams now that are very good. It's up to us to prove to them we are here to stay and today it started with our defense. When we decide to communicate, and we put our minds to it, our back row is really something. It was fun to see us battle hard today. I was proud to get the two wins today and I know everyone is looking forward to playing Union and Skidmore tomorrow."