Potsdam, NY - Freshman outside hitter Megan Mahon (Irvine, CA) set a career-high with 23 kills on 47 swings, hitting at .340 to lead the Clarkson University Volleyball team to a come-from-behind win over crosstown rival Potsdam State in a five-set match on Tuesday night at Maxcy Hall.
The Golden Knights ended a four-match losing streak with the win to move to 11-13. The team will travel to Keuka for a quad-match on Saturday.
Clarkson dropped the first set 25-20, but rallied for the set-two win at 25-19. After a disappointing effort in the middle set that resulted in a 25-15 drubbing, the Knights seemed down and out. A late rally in the fourth set that saw the Knights sprint to an impressive run and a 25-22 win, the team outlasted Potsdam in the final set 17-15, ending the match on an ace from Amanda Rankin (Horseheads, NY).
Mahon was fairly consistent throughout the match, recording seven, five, three, seven, and two kills in the five-set marathon. However, the freshman was hardly the lone bright spot for the Knights as several other players stood out. Classmate Sara Artus (St. Regis Falls, NY) didn't have as many swings, but she still did damage with eight kills in 22 attempts. Another freshman, Rachel Simons (Webster, NY) added in five kills in 12 swings and contributed a pair of blocks as well.
"We have so much respect Potsdam's volleyball program and they have improved tremendously and played a great match," said head coach Johan Dulfer. "This match was exactly what the doctor ordered for us. It showed us that with true desire and heart, and a healthy dose of faith in your own abilities, good things are bound to happen. I thought we attacked aggressively and without hesitation for most of the match, which we were able to do because we passed at a high level tonight. Most of all, we trusted each other and the outcome of the match. It was a true team effort and I am very proud and happy for the girls that they get to enjoy the rewards of their hard work."
Junior Jenna Stock (Johnstown, NY) enjoyed her first 20-20 showing of the season with team-highs of 26 assists and 20 digs. Sophomore Amanda Rankin also came through with a double-double with 16 assists and 14 digs, and classmate Alison Schroeder (Webster, NY) added in 18 digs. Junior Davanna Chetney (Fulton, NY) also had 12 digs.
