The Oswego State volleyball team split its bouts on the final day of SUNYAC Pool Play, hosted by Oneonta on Saturday in Dewar Arena. Oswego opened the day by losing its first set against the host Red Dragons before rattling off three-straight set victories to capture the match. Later in the day, Oswego was swept by Brockport, who are now 16-1 on the season.
With the win and the loss, Oswego is now 13-6 overall and 2-1 in conference action.
MATCH ONE – Oswego 3, Oneonta 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-18):
After falling behind 9-4 early in the first set, Oswego closed the gap to just two but was unable to overcome the deficit. The Lakers settled in during the second set, as a close game that was tied as late as 19-19, went to Oswego after it captured six of the set's final eight points.
In the third set, Oneonta again jumped out to an early lead, 4-1. Oswego was able to counter, behind the serving of junior Lindsey Champitto, gaining a 9-6 edge. The Red Dragons then struck with four quick points to regain their advantage. After a brief tie at 16-16, the Lakers pulled away by scoring nine of the game's last 13 points.
What proved to be the final set was controlled by Oswego, who put Oneonta in a 7-0 hole to set the tone. The Lakers were able to subdue a comeback attempt by the Red Dragons, who cut their deficit to as few as two, by winning by its largest margin of the day, 25-18.
Oswego was led by freshmen Ariel Murawski's career-high 14 kills while senior Kelsey Dillon followed with 10. Murawski was not done setting personal records during the outing, pacing the Lakers with a career-best three service aces.
Also helping the Lakers to a triumph were the junior duo of Champitto and Lauren Edwards, who both ended with 20 assists. On the passing front, senior Rachael Ruggaber had a team-high 14 digs while classmate Kim Cassa and Champitto each chipped in eight.
MATCH TWO – Brockport 3, Oswego 0 (25-23, 25-9, 25-23):
Oswego battled tough with the Golden Eagles, who came in as a hot team with only one blemish on their season record. The Lakers came within two points of taking a set in both the first and third games, but were unable to upend Brockport.
Murawski was again the kills leader with 10 and Megan Russell was close behind with six. Ruggaber took the passing duties with 16 digs while Cassa (12) and Emma Moriarty (10) aided in the effort. Edwards and Champitto split the setting responsibilities, finishing with 18 and 11, respectively.
Oswego will get back on the court quickly, as it travels to Keuka College for a nonconference tilt at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
