The Oswego State volleyball team opened its first round of SUNYAC Pool Play with a convincing 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16) sweep of Cortland in Oneonta's Dewar Arena on Friday evening. With the victory, the Lakers are now 12-5 overall and 1-0 in conference action while the Red Dragons fall to 6-9, 0-1.
Freshman Ariel Murawski helped Oswego cruise to the win, killing a team-high eight attacks at a .350 clip. Close behind in the kills column was Kim Cassa (6), Megan Russell (5) and Alison Sullivan (5). Sophomore Jessica Long also chipped in with four kills but really made her presence known on defense, recording a Laker-best 12 digs. Rachael Ruggaber aided in the dig effort, trailing Long's total by just two.
Continuing on defense, Sullivan and Russell each finished with five blocks apiece, but in fairly different ways. Sullivan was able to stop two Cortland attacks by herself while also tossing in three assists. Russell's total all came by way of assists.
In a familiar sight, juniors Lauren Edwards and Lindsey Champitto split the setting responsibilities, finishing with 11 and 14, respectively.
Oswego will complete SUNYAC Pool Play at Oneonta with a battle with the host at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a 12:30 p.m. duel with Brockport.
