Knights Split Opening Weekend Against Top Opponents at Cortland
Clarkson Sweeps Montclair, Falls to NCAA Tourney team Lebanon Valley
September 4, 2009
9/4/2009 10:44:08 PM
Cortland, NY - Led by 26 kills in two matches from sophomore Sara Artus (St. Regis Falls, NY), the Clarkson University Volleyball team began the 2009 season with a split against Montclair State and Lebanon Valley on the opening day of the Red Dragon Invitational Friday night.
The Golden Knights began the season with a straight sets win over Montclair State, 25-21, 25-14, 25-18, and followed that up with a four-set loss to Lebanon Valley, 25-15, 22-25, 25-15, 25-11.
Sophomore Sara Artus produced a solid match from the outside against Montclair, killing points on 9 swings and adding 8 digs. Senior Jenna Stock (Johnstown, NY) contributed 25 assists, while liberos Alison Schroeder (Webster, NY) and Davanna Chetney (Fulton, NY) had 12 and 10 digs, respectively.
"Starting the season against a team that we lost to last year was perfect for us," coach Johan Dulfer said. "Once we found our rhythm in the match, I thought we did a good job keeping the pressure on Montclair State. It's nice to start the season with a win and to do it against a quality opponent is very better."
In the second match of the day, the Golden Knights took on Lebanon Valley, a team that won 33 of its 36 matches in 2008 and reached the NCAA Tournament. While Clarkson lost in four sets, the Knights played inspired ball, led by the sophomore Artus, who had 17 kills in the match.
"Lebanon Valley was a great opponent for us," said Dulfer. "This tournament doesn't have any easy opponents and to start off the season playing two quality matches in a row is going to help us down the road on the way to challenging for our championship. I thought we matched LVC in intensity and almost every statistical category. They were a little more seasoned and exploited our weaknesses a bit better which proved to be the difference. The second set was played at a very high level and as coaches we can't help but be very excited about what that promises for the future. I think we raised the level of our program and our expectations tonight."
Senior MacKenzie Cook (Syracuse, NY) added in 7 kills and 7 blocks, while sophomore Megan Mahon (Irvine, CA) had six kills. Schroeder led the team with 22 digs in the match.