MARCY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College opened its season by losing a pair of non-conference matches at the SUNY Poly Tournament.

The Gators began the spring by falling to Westminster 3-1, before getting swept by the host Wildcats (1-1).

Senior middle blocker Confidence Burrowes (East Orange, NJ/Donald M. Payne/Wells) and sophomore opposite Dylan Fox (Albany, NY/Colonie), the 2024 New England Volleyball Conference Rookie of the Year topped RSC with 13 total kills. Burrows, who hit a combined .292, registered nine kills on .294 hitting vs. Westminster (1-0). Fox averaged 3.25 kills per-set and totaled seven digs and a pair of aces.

Freshman setter Anthony Guetti (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) tallied 34 assists, while sophomore libero Carlo Rossi A. Occeño (Hudson, NY/Hudson) elevated 11 Blue Jay and SUNY Poly attacks across the seven sets of Saturday afternoon action.

The Tournament concludes tomorrow beginning at 10:00 AM with RSC facing a pair of nationally-ranked opponents, No. 17 Nazareth and No. 19 Lasell.

Gator Bites with Papa John's: The spring marks the fourth with Reid Hartl at the helm of the Gators…RSC returns six players from last season's team, including Fox …Hartl added nine newcomers to the roster, highlighted by Burrowes..RSC was picked to finish fifth in the NEVC preseason coaches poll…Fox, Burrows, and senior opposite Wylkins Occelin (Brooklyn, NY/John Dewey) were voted co-captains.