Potsdam, NY – With their 16th sweep in 25 matches, the Clarkson University Volleyball team matched the program record for fastest to 20 victories as the Golden Knights swept Plattsburgh State 25-20, 25-15, 25-4 Tuesday night at Alumni Gymnasium.
The Golden Knights improved to 20-5 with their fourth straight win and will head to the Skidmore Tournament this Friday and Saturday. The Cardinals fell to 9-17 on the season.
Starting the first set, the Golden Knights looked like they were back in the form that had led them to 15 sweeps in 24 matches this season, heading out to a 14-7 lead with a competent offensive push that led to a Plattsburgh timeout. Coming out of the break, the Cardinals found their own rhythm and made a game of the first set, cutting Clarkson’s lead to as few as two points. However, with a good group of swings from outside hitters Megan Mahon (Irvine, CA) and Sara Artus (St. Regis Falls, NY), who had five and four kills in the set, respectively, the Knights were able to pull away with a 25-20 victory.
In the second set, the Golden Knights didn’t have any struggles that allowed Plattsburgh back in the match. From the very start, Mahon had a solid four-point run serving, and the Cardinals never recovered as Clarkson cruised to a 25-15 win in the second set.
The third set opened with another solid start for the Knights, as Jenna Stock (Johnstown, NY) delivered five aces in run of 10 straight points that gave Clarkson a 13-1 edge, forcing another timeout by the Cardinals midway through the run. The stoppage didn’t do anything, however, as Clarkson won handily, 25-4.
“Give Plattsburgh credit for playing us as hard as they did,” said head coach Johan Dulfer. “I thought they really stepped in up from the last time we saw them and the start of the first set today. On top of that, I thought our start was a little sluggish and we had some communication problems that were resolved as the match moved on. When our serving took over the last two sets, I thought we put so much pressure on them that turned the match in our favor. I’m happy to get a win today and move on to a very important tournament this weekend.”
Senior Jenna Stock had 35 assists and 6 aces for the Knights. Sara Artus had 12 kills, 12 digs, and 2 aces, while Megan Mahon added 11 kills and 7 digs. Alison Schroeder (Webster, NY) led the team with 17 digs and Davanna Chetney (Fulton, NY) added in 10 digs.
