Clinton, NY---The Sage Colleges women's volleyball team opened the 2011 season on Friday evening. Competing in the Hamilton College Invitational, Sage faced the host Hamilton College in the first match of the tournament, only to drop the opener in a tight match (3-0, 25-16, 25-14, 26-24).

Making her debut on the Sage bench as head coach is 1987 Russell Sage graduate, Sandy Augstein-Collins. She returned to her alma mater this year and is in her second go-round as the Gator leader having coached the team previously in 1996 and 1997.

Sage continued action on Friday facing Southern Vermont College and fell 3-0 ( 25-16, 25-16, 25-23). The Gators stand at 0-2 on the young season, while SVC improves to 4-0.

Against Hamilton, Sage was led by a number of key performances. Sophomore setter and team co-captain Joanie Cooney (Ballston Lake, NY/Shenendehowa) added 19 setting assists, while senior defensive specialist Kelsey Wilson (Schenectady, NY/Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons) added 20 digs. Newcomer Helen Putriment (Victory Falls, NY/Cobleskill-Richmondville) added nine kills with 16 digs in her debut as a Gator outside hitter.

In the nightcap, the Gators fell to the unbeaten Mountaineers. Putriment added seven kills, while Cooney added 18 setting assists. Wilson chopped in with 19 more digs and has elevated her career total to 1,218. Wilson is now in the third spot on the all-time Sage career record book. She vaulted from the No. 5 spot (1,179) to the No. 3 spot. Sage's career dig list which is topped by Shannon Young (3,249, 2004-2007).

Freshman defensive specialist Serena Heard (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa) added 10 digs in the match for the Gators.

Sage will take to the court again on Saturday in the final day of the Hamilton Invitational when they open action on Saturday facing SUNY-Canton at 10:30 a.m. and wrapping play at 12:30 p.m. when they meet SUNY-Plattsburgh.

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