The Utica College women's volleyball team traveled to Oneonta State this past weekend for the Red Dragon Invitational where they began their season with four tough losses.

    The Pioneers faced conference rival Hartwick College on Saturday, August 29.   UC stole the first game 25-22 but went on to lose after three competitive games.  Chloe Pierce (Richview/Toronto, ON) led the team with 13 kills and Miranda Austin (Beaver River/Castorland) pitched in 24 assists.  Freshman Audrey Cross (Webb Union/White Lake) began her college career with five kills, while Melissa Austin (Beaver River/Castorland) added 11 digs.

    Utica was swept during the second match of the tournament as they faced the Clarkson Golden Knights.  The UC women totaled 17 kills and 16 assists during the loss.

    Oswego State took the win in three games against Utica during the third match of the invitational on Sunday.  Junior Brielle Swerdlin (West Morris Mendham/Chester, NJ) added 11 kills, Miranda Austin had 21 assists, and Chloe Pierce had 11 digs versus the Lakers.

    The fourth and final match of weekend resulted in a loss against Potsdam State.  After loosing the first two games, Utica took the third 25–19 before suffering defeat in the fourth.  During the loss, Pierce added eight kills and 13 digs while sisters Miranda and Melissa Austin added two service aces each.

    Union College went onto win the Red Dragon Invitational with wins over Clarkson and St. Lawrence.  UC concluded the tournament with 6.5 kills per game, 6.3 assists per game, and 10.5 digs per game.  They also had a total of 10 blocks throughout the four-game span.  Pierce led the Pioneers with 34 kills and 39 digs and Miranda Austin tallied 76 assists.

    Utica returns to action against Keuka College and SUNY IT at the Weed Physical Arts Center on Saturday, September 4.


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