Potsdam, NY - Junior Hilary Lockwood (Victor, NY) recorded 21 kills against five errors in just 38 swings as the Clarkson University Volleyball team inched over the .500 mark with a four-game victory over Plattsburgh State Tuesday night at Alumni Gymnasium.

The Golden Knights, who beat the Cardinals 30-11, 23-30, 30-21, 30-26, improved to 8-7 overall, surpassing last season's win total in fewer than half the matches. Plattsburgh State dropped to 4-11.

Clarkson dominated the first game, easily cruising to a 30-11 win with a team hitting percentage well over .300. However, the Knights would struggle in game two of the match as they committed numerous errors on their swings with the Cardinals making several blocks to end the Clarkson attacks. Game three also appeared as if it would be a tight contest as the two teams were tied 12-12. The Knights then won nine of the next 11 points to take a more commanding lead, holding on in the swing game of the match.

"I thought winning the first game the way we did, without playing well, was the key to the rest of the match," coach Johan Dulfer explained. "It caused us to under-estimate Plattsburgh a little bit in the second game and they pushed back hard. The girls decided between games two and three that they had a point to prove and came out and retook control of the game. I'm proud of them for accomplishing that when nothing seemed to fall our way. This was a complete team effort.

In addition to her 21 kills, Lockwood also contributed two aces and a block. Junior Stacy Storms (Marcy, NY) was next with 10 kills and two blocks while sophomore Jenna Stock (Johnstown, NY) took control of the setting with 36 assists and 11 digs. Freshman Amanda Rankin (Horseheads, NY) added in 11 assists and five digs. Classmate Jessica Klopp (Eden, NY) also contributed seven kills and three blocks while Alison Schroeder (Webster, NY) contributed 24 digs and three aces.