Potsdam, NY - Freshman Katie Fenner (Lansing, NY) produced 17 kills, including at least four in each game, as the Clarkson University Volleyball team downed Potsdam State in four games, 30-28, 27-30, 30-14, 30-22 Tuesday night at Alumni Gymnasium.
The Golden Knights improved to 6-4 on the season and will return to action this weekend at the RIT Invitational. Potsdam State, which also lost to Clarkson in three games on Saturday at the Victory Promotions Invitational, fell to 5-4.
The first two games were evenly matched as the Knights and Bears battled back and forth. It wasn't until the final two games where Clarkson took control. Despite a lopsided 30-14 win in game three, Clarkson only recorded 10 kills in the game as the team stuck to its gameplan.
"I thought we made some tactical adjustments after the second game," head coach Johan Dulfer said. "We also told the team to be patient with our gameplan and to stay aggressive. It's a great feeling to win our first game at home."
Fenner enjoyed her best game in the third contest, coming through with four kills in nine attacks.
"Katie really came into her own today," coach Dulfer said. "Potsdam really wasn't ready for her to have a match like she did."
Freshman Jessica Agnew (Queensbury, NY) helped out by continuing her strong first campaign with 13 kills and only three errors in the match. She also added in 11 digs.
The attendance was impressive for the opening match of the season, as the Knights drew a large crowd well over 200.
"Potsdam had a good game plan to start the match, but I have to thank our crowd for getting us going early," coach Dulfer said. "It was a great atmosphere for a home-opener."
The Clarkson players clearly responded to the crowd with excellent showings on the stat sheet. Freshman Alison Schroeder (Webster, NY) had 18 digs while classmate Amanda Rankin (Horseheads, NY) added 24 assists, 13 digs and 3 aces. Sophomore Jenna Stock (Johnstown, NY) also added 20 assists and 11 digs. Classmate Davanna Chetney (Fulton, NY) produced 11 digs as well.
